Grace for the Discouraged Soul This Christmas

Categories: AACC BLOG

by AACC Staff

As we approach what Andy Williams calls “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” we in mental health understand that the Christmas anticipation lingering in the air is not felt by those facing conflict, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and more. Another challenge many face during the holiday season—one that often precedes and underlies relational strife—is the challenge of discouragement.

It can be discouraging for a single person to be the only unmarried person at a family Christmas party. It is easy to feel down before an afternoon with nearly estranged siblings. Dreading the snide, hurtful comments from a relative whose jealousy compels him to tear you down every year? That hurts—and when you know hurt is coming, discouragement can creep in.

Some other things that commonly cause discouragement include:

Shouldering emotional burdens alone and slowly buckling under the weight
Worrying about things that cannot be controlled
Regrets over past mistakes
Being overly concerned about the risk of failure

While these challenges are real, we cannot surrender to them. It’s critical to fight back when discouraging circumstances tempt us to despair. As Christians, we have three spiritual weapons to use against discouragement: prayer, the Scriptures, and the body of Christ.

Fighting Discouragement by Casting Our Cares on God

Prayer can deal a deadly blow to discouragement. The Christian’s immediate response to any challenge should be consulting the Creator—”casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV).

The Lord loves to listen to us pour our hearts out to him in humble vulnerability, and he’s strong when we are not. In fact, 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (emphasis added). When we share our burdens with God and tell Him how badly we need Him—when we cast our most intimate cares on Him—He grows us, encourages us, and gives us His peace (Philippians 4:9, ESV).

If you’re carrying a heavy burden this holiday season, don’t carry it alone. Take it to the foot of the cross in humble, intimate prayer with God, who loves and cares for you.

Fighting Discouragement Through Scripture

God has provided His Word to help us handle life’s problems, including discouragement (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV). The Psalmists often felt discouraged, and their writings (which are God-breathed) prove that God understands our troubles, cares for us, and is willing to help us. No matter one’s source of discouragement this holiday season, you can find solace and encouragement if you search Scripture.

Psalm 119 beautifully illustrates the power of God’s Word and the believer’s disposition toward the Scriptures. For the discouraged soul, verses 41–48 are encouraging to read and excellent to pray:

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;

then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.

I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,

and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.

I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,

for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.

I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.

(Psalm 119:41–48, ESV)

This holiday season, set aside time daily to read, pray through, and meditate on Scripture. Cultivate a deeper love for God’s word by studying it and examining yourself in light of it. Make time for intentional, undistracted, intimate moments with the Lord in Scripture.

Fighting Discouragement Through Community

Christians are designed to exist as community members, not as individualists who deal with life’s challenges alone. We’re to support, care for, and encourage one another—and we’re to be supported by, cared for, and encouraged by others in the body of Christ.

Discouragement thrives in isolation, but God commands us to live in community. In fact, the body of Christ is designed to support and uplift us during hard times. Perhaps the most well-known verse about encouragement in fellowship is Galatians 6:2, which says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (ESV). Scripture commands believers to encourage and comfort one another (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV).

This holiday season, take steps to connect with your community. Attend a church event, participate in a small group, be more open with a trusted family member than you ever have, or reach out to someone who can walk alongside you.

And as you lean on Christian community this Christmas, remember the reason for the season and our ultimate source of hope. Reflect on the great love shown to us through the person and work of Christ—who humbled Himself by taking on the likeness of human flesh, dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, and rising from the grave so that “whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).

If you’re a Christian, you have great reason to celebrate this Christmas. 2,000-some years ago, the Savior entered the world to save it (John 3:17, ESV). His work is finished (John 19:28-30, ESV), and nothing can ever snatch you from His hand (John 10:28).

As you navigate the joys and challenges of this holiday season, remember that discouragement doesn’t have to win. Through prayer, Scripture, and the support of Christian community, you can find strength, hope, and peace in Christ. Draw near to Him this holiday season, embrace His promises, and rest in the unshakable hope that comes from knowing your Savior.

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References

English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Bible. Crossway.