Lonely During the Holidays? Me too.

The holidays are a time for celebrating. Jesus. Life. Love. Family. Friends.

Yet, they are some of the loneliest times of the year.

Maybe you're missing that family member who used to sit next to you at the family table.

Maybe you're mourning the loss of a loved one.

Maybe you're longing to get pregnant.

Maybe you're waiting on adoption papers to come through.

Maybe you're praying for that family member in jail.

Maybe you're forgotten by those you love.

Maybe you're like me, single and waiting for the one God has for you.

Whatever reason you're lonely, the feelings are the same. They are overwhelming floods and burning flames.

Many times, we fill that loneliness with busyness. Or food. Or shopping. Or fake smiles. (Or maybe those are just mine.)

But, I'm going to try something new this year. I'm going to walk through it. Pretending my feelings aren't there is exhausting. Hiding them is frustrating.

But, wallowing in my feelings is just as futile. 

So, I'm going to surround myself in the truth of the Word until my feelings fade and only the truth remains.

I don't normally post about my feelings. Heck, I don't even talk about them with my closest friends. But, I'm putting them out here just in case there's someone who needs to hear he/she is not alone. You never have been, and you never will be.

Here are the verses I've been reading a lot lately as I have felt those feelings of loneliness creep in (and get worse with each Kay Jewelers commercial I see).

Isaiah 43:2 ESV

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 49:16 ESV

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

Philippians 4:11 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

So, if you're lonely this holiday season, please know there's a gal in Houston who feels the same way you do. If there's something I can pray for you about, leave me a comment or shoot me an email at laurajacksonwrites at gmail dot com.







'