Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 43:5
Father God, it is so easy for me to become overwhelmed by the bustle of this season. With all of the pressure I put on myself to show my love and appreciation in a tangible way by giving gifts to those I am in relationship with, I quickly find myself overwhelmed. The pressure can, and often does, result in a downward spiral where I am more depressed by the “going ons” than rejoicing about the “whys.” That thing that doctors call seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is real and impacts so many people. And when I find myself going to that place I cannot help but stop and ask myself, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” Especially when I do a sanity check and remind myself why this season is in the first place!
The fact that You would send Your Son, my Savior, into this world to deliver me, not just from my sins, but also so that I can have a relationship with You and Him, should be the lifter up of my head. How great is that? You love me enough to forgive me and clean me up! That hope, the real and promised prospect of seeing my You face-to-face fuels all of my passions, especially in this season. This glorious truth reminds me of Your faithfulness in keeping Your promises. Father, this is what I have placed my hope in. I believe You!
So, today, I want to ask for a few things. First, help me to major in the majors. Continue to remind me not to get so caught up in what I am giving but to focus on why I’m giving it. But second, put me in check when I find myself overwhelmed and going into that dark place by shining Your light into my spaces, exposing those foul thoughts, and showing me Your glory. And finally, sprinkle my day with reminders that this season is not about giving stuff but instead it is about You giving life and love to me and all who love You through the gift of Your Son. Thank You for reminding me to keep my hope firmly established in You. Amen.