Whether we have been blocked by our prodigal, or continue to have a relationship, the holidays hold unique, often painful, even unexpected challenges that threaten to rob us of our joy for the holidays. Some are overcome by grief. Remembering God’s faithfulness and sovereignty has the power and help to transform our perspective and empower us as we navigate the painful part of the holidays.
Isaiah 46:9 reminds us of God’s unmatched authority and steadfast work throughout history, encouraging us to place our trust in Him when it says, “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.” This declaration from Nehemiah 8:10 can also help, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” We discover a practical application here. By intentionally reflecting on God’s past works—His provision, guidance, and deliverance—we cultivate gratitude and shift our focus from life’s challenges to His greatness. This remembrance encourages us and strengthens us, anchors us in His joy, and renews our inner resilience.
God commanded days of remembrance. For example, in Exodus they were commanded, “On the seventh day you must explain to your children, ‘I am celebrating what the Lord did for me when I left Egypt.’ This annual festival will be a visible sign to you, like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. Let it remind you always to recite this teaching of the Lord: ‘With a strong hand, the Lord rescued you from Egypt.’ So observe the decree of this festival at the appointed time each year” (13:8-10). We can find joy in how the Lord has rescued us from sin. We can have hope because of this, and there is hope also for our prodigal. Without what God has done to rescue us, neither one of us would have hope. God’s Word is rich with His focus and how we can change our focus and agree with His for the holidays. God is very sensitive, aware, and caring of our grief. He comes close to us in our need and invites us to be centered on His care for us.
We can see his care in the following verses:
“He heals the brokenhearted. He bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
“Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters. I will be with thee; and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:1b-2).
“My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to your word” (Psalm 119:28).
“Answer me when I pray to you, my God who does what is right. Lift the load that I carry. Be kind to me and hear my prayer” (Psalm 4:1).
“Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God. I should keep praising him, My Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive tree shall fail and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hind’s feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places” (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
“The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him” (Psalm 28:7).
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemy will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me” (Psalm 56:8-9).
As a little 5-year-old boy once said, after listening to his family and extended family express worry and grief, “Don’t forget, God is here to help!” These verses point to that truth. They point us to the God of hope. Often we can find comfort, joy, and celebration even in struggle by focusing on who God is and what He has done.
Creating space to remember and celebrate His faithfulness can be life-giving and transformative. Here are some ways to do so:
Daily Gratitude Journaling: Take a few minutes each day to write down moments where you’ve seen God’s faithfulness. Even small blessings can help you stay grounded in His care.
Intentional Prayer Time: Dedicate a quiet time to reflect on His goodness. Speak to God about your joys and struggles and invite Him into every part of your life.
Music and Worship: Listening to hymns or songs that highlight God’s promises can shift your focus from worries to worship. The music of the season, with its rich messages of hope and redemption, is especially powerful.
Scripture Reflection: Spend time reading verses that remind you of His unchanging nature. Memorize a few that resonate with your current season of life.
Community Encouragement: Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness with others or listen to theirs. This shared experience can be uplifting and help refocus your perspective.
In this season, as you reflect on His faithfulness, may you find renewed hope and peace. What specific ways have you experienced His presence recently?