Two friends of mine are struggling greatly right now—one friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and the other is plagued with debilitating anxiety. My heart hurts with them as they face the uncertain days ahead. My friend who was diagnosed with cancer loves the holiday season, but this year is going to look vastly different. My friend who is battling anxiety right now is in a battle in her mind over what may come. Their struggle is more than just a “struggle”—they are both fully engaged in battle.
I was reading my Bible the other night and came across this verse: “Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). This verse made me think of my friends as the holiday season is upon us. What do we do when the holidays are hard? Look at Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus (our high priest) sympathizes with our weaknesses, so when the holidays are hard, we know we can go to him with our needs, just like his Word says in Hebrews 4:16, “Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness.” We can approach him with boldness and we know that we will receive mercy and find grace when we go to him in our time of need.
Friend, if these words resonate within you, know that you are not alone. God loves you, he is for you, he sees you hurting and he knows the pain you feel right now. If you know him as your Savior, then he abides within you. Talk to him about all that you are facing right now, pour your heart out to him. I promise you that he will help you in your time of need. You can do this by spending time with him in prayer and by reading his word. If you need a place to start reading in the Bible, start with the gospel of Luke. I pray these words point you to Jesus and I pray that they encourage you today.
Photo credit: Emilee Carpenter
Jennifer Goodwin is a wife, mom, sister, friend and lifelong writer. She has co-authored three Bible studies for women on the books of Hosea, Philippians, and Esther. She also writes for an online magazine, websites, and her personal blog, Overflowing with Thankfulness. When she isn't writing, she loves to read and watch Hallmark Christmas movies. She loves all things Christmas and is known for wearing bright and sparkly earrings every day during December.
