For Those Grieving During The Holidays | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

For Those Grieving During The Holidays

There is Hope For this Season

10
For Those Grieving During The Holidays
pixabay.com

Whether it's your first Holiday season or third, like mine without a certain loved one, the holidays are still a different season than the ones before. My friend, you are not alone.

You miss them.

You want things as they were before.

This is natural. But at times, it sure doesn't seem to be livable.

So what can you do? The whole situation feels completely out of your hands and for the most part it really is. I know what you're thinking, okay then why am I reading this? It's for the choice you do have. You don't choose grief, you don't choose timing and you don't choose loss, but you do get the choice of how you deal with the circumstances around you.

The who, when, where and what are answered, but the why question may be your dark shadow. I admit it has been mine, especially during the holidays.

Why my dad?

Why so soon...

Why not this or why that?!

The thing I had to come to terms with that I want to share with you, where your choice comes into play is this... you choose to answer the main question you have. The why question.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "TRUST in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path's straight." (NASB translation)

Trust and lean not on your own understanding.

I might not know why. I might not understand, but I wasn't promised that I would always understand. I am, however, given the choice to trust.

To trust that despite the pain and inspite of the answers not being given, I have to choose. No one else has this power but me. This is something I control.

When I realized I have this power, Me and no one else, the pain didn't go away but it let me give the pain to the One who promised to hold me, help me and keep me in His loving hands.

That is the choice. That is what I choose that although I don't get it, I don't understand, I know the One who does and that is what matters.

Isaiah 41:10 says, "Do not be afraid, for I AM with you. Do not be discouraged for I AM your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (NLT translation)

This is the point where you get to choose that the "why" may never be answered but trust that despite that His love hasn't changed. His plan is still perfect despite the broken world around us. He still holds you.

This is the question I place to you instead of why. Who is it that understands your pain, your situation and your need but God?

I declare this in my life and I pray you may know this peace that does not coming with understanding but trusting the One who cares more for you this second than anyone else can. Psalm 16:8 is my declaration that I hope you take as your own. "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (NIV translation)

Peace is not a gift that comes with understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV translation)

You will still feel pain, but you can walk in peace that no matter what, He is here holding and loving you always. Trust in Him today and ask for peace only He can give.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

19771
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8342
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6052
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5243
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments