Tuesday, December 02, 2014
When Your Soul Feels Empty
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering you own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew. ~ Saint Francis de Sales
Scripture:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (New International Version)
Depression is never easy, but it's especially hard during the holidays. The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. And unfortunately, with an economy that is still faltering the pressures during what is supposed to be a holy time continue to increase.
We have allowed one of the holiest times of the year to become one of the most commercialized times as well. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed or never even erected for fear of being sued. Far too often we look to those materialistic things of this world to fill the void in our empty souls. We find ourselves wandering about in the desert like the children of Israel unable to find our way home.
However, I want you to know, there is something that can make you feel whole again; the undeniable, indisputable, everlasting word of God. When we begin to feel our souls being emptied out by the world around us, all we have to do is go before the throne of grace and drink from a fountain that never runs dry.
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (New International Version)
Depression is never easy, but it's especially hard during the holidays. The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. And unfortunately, with an economy that is still faltering the pressures during what is supposed to be a holy time continue to increase.
We have allowed one of the holiest times of the year to become one of the most commercialized times as well. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed or never even erected for fear of being sued. Far too often we look to those materialistic things of this world to fill the void in our empty souls. We find ourselves wandering about in the desert like the children of Israel unable to find our way home.
However, I want you to know, there is something that can make you feel whole again; the undeniable, indisputable, everlasting word of God. When we begin to feel our souls being emptied out by the world around us, all we have to do is go before the throne of grace and drink from a fountain that never runs dry.
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
