The excitement of Christmas. The hustle and bustle of people with their shopping and grocery lists. The electricity in the air in anticipation of holiday meals, family gatherings and parties. Oh, let’s not forget the gifts, seasonal music, decorations and lights…and did I mention the gifts? For many, ’tis the season to be jolly, but not for all.
The Christmas holiday is observed by billions of people every year. Though Christmas is considered a time of joy and celebration, the cultural, economic and religious impact also bring a season of stress, sadness and loneliness. The holiday blues, as it’s often called, affects many and hits hard.
Financial peer pressure to over spend on gift giving adds to the stress of the season. Somehow the cost and quality of a gift directly relates to the value of the gift receiver or the perceived success of the gift giver. Budgets often fly out the window and debt soars.
Old and new family conflicts surface as traditions are broken and tensions increase. Some relatives are ostracized due to perceived bad behavior or decisions. Coordinating vacation days and travel plans can also be a source of holiday stress.
Of course let’s not forget the loss of loved ones, either through death or broken relationships. The feelings of grief and despair can be overbearing this time of year. Military obligations, previous commitments and overwhelming circumstances can also create tension and despondency. The holiday season of family and friends gathering together for celebration can be a time of heartache and pain.
At the end of the calendar year many reflect on successes and failures, broken promises and shattered dreams. Disappointment, sadness, fear and hopelessness can overtake many people. What do you do when faced with the holiday blues? What did Elijah do when he lapsed into despair?
Elijah (aka Elias), one of God’s great prophets lapsed into desperation and fear. He was mightily used to turn his people back to their God by defeating the prophets of Baal. He prayed and fire fell from heaven and consumed the burnt sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust and the water in trench that surrounded the sacrifice. All of Baal’s prophets were later killed. King Ahab went home shame faced and told his wife Jezebel what happened. She was furious. She sent word to Elijah that he’d be dead by the same time tomorrow.
3) And Elijah was afraid and arose and ran for his life, and he came to Beersheba which belongs to Judah, and he left his servant there. 4) But he himself traveled a day’s journey into the wilderness, and he came and sat down under a juniper tree and asked [God] that he might die. He said, “It’s enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
1Kings 19:3-4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Elijah had just experienced a major victory. He had participated in a miraculous event. God sent fire from heaven to shame his enemies. That day he demonstrated that his God was great, powerful and responsive to the prayers of His people. So, it’s surprising that the euphoria of the moment turned to fear so quickly.
Jezebel’s threat was serious. She was not one to trifle with and Elijah had good cause for concern. However Jezebel was not God. Powerful, fierce and brutal? Yes. A force to be reckoned with? Yes. God? Absolutely not! Elijah was fearful, disillusioned and despondent. He took his eyes off of God, just for a moment. He was distracted by his circumstances. He allowed Jezebel’s reputation to overwhelm him.
No disrespect or shame on Elijah’s part. This is a common reaction for us all. When we look at circumstances through our eyes, our perspective is limited. God’s perspective is omniscient. He sees everything from every angle and every possible outcome. This was a pivot point, a fork in the road. A decision was needed. Did he choose his own understanding or did he look to God? Remember, this is Elijah, so of course he looked to God.
Elijah may have taken his eyes off of God, but God’s eye was still on Elijah. God sent an angel to encourage and help him exactly where he was, in the wilderness under a juniper tree.
This is what God does. He meets us at our point of need. No matter where we run or hide, no matter the circumstances, God is already there, waiting for us to turn to Him. Elijah renewed his strength under that juniper tree. He slept, drank water and ate “angel food cake.” OK, maybe not Angel Food Cake as we know it, but someone baked the bread cake while Elijah slept–I’m just sayin’. He was now ready to travel to Mt. Horeb (Sinai), the mount of God and receive his next assignment.
When times of loneliness, sadness or desperation come, take a deep breath and decide. Decide to turn your eyes upon Jesus. There’s a fork in the road and you get to choose your path. Do you lean on your own understanding or rely on God who understands all.
5) Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 King James Version (KJV)
We have an assurance from God that if we turn to Him, He will help us.
10) Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 King James Version (KJV)
Whether you choose to abstain from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season or engage fully in the Christmas festivities, remember Jesus is the reason for the season.
17) Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17 Amplified Bible (AMP)