By: Sandy Morgenthal
Christmas is such a happy time of year. Homes are bright with all the holiday lights and decorations. People are so cheerful with all the gatherings and festivities. All seem so glad, buying and giving all the gifts to those they love. Then comes January, and all the color seems gone. Winter sets in; it’s dark and dreary outside, and sometimes inside. Coping with the letdown can be too much for some of us. It’s certainly not easy for most of us. Where did all that expression of love and good will go? For a while, people were kind, and smiled more, even at strangers. There was music in the air and an atmosphere of anticipation. Following Christmas, many are coping with unexpected financial issues. Some feel let down by family disappointments. Still, others are missing a sense of inner peace. Everywhere you look, people seem to have the January Blues.
Take heart. Jesus knows all about the challenges we are facing. Isaiah 41:10 NIV says “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strength you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” I have personally experienced many times how He shows up and helps with whatever issue I am faced with, when I ask Him for His Presence in the situation. Hebrews 4:16 NIV says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
So, whether it is depression, financial worries, family issues, troubles at work, or just the plain old blues, we need not suffer long and hard. When we praise Him during our suffering, when we continue to read our Bible daily and seek His Will; His good and perfect Will, we will be comforted. We will be helped. Psalm 39:7 NIV says, “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”
Living in relationship with Christ Jesus gives whatever wisdom, courage, strength, or stamina is needed to cope. Asking Him for a clear path out of the fog created by the big let-down after Christmas, is the surest way to fight the January Blues. A change of focus from man-made beauty to the beauty He created can lift the spirits, and put a song in our hearts. Isaiah 55:12 NIV says, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
May His blessing rest upon you as you begin a New Year walking daily with Him.