TO GIVE IS MORE BLESSED THAN TO RECEIVE

There are many different reasons that people may experience depression during the holidays. Some will be missing loved ones who have passed on. Others will be struggling with unresolved problems with families and friends. Still others will simply feel left out of the Holiday hustle and bustle because they have no close family or friends. Though our circumstances are real, our attitude about them can make all the difference. Whenever we begin to dwell on the negative feelings we have, Satan gets a toehold and then begins to plant the seeds of his lies. Satan is a thief and a liar (John 8:44) and he will be working extra hard this season to rob you of the joy of the season and the mystery of Christ, which is Christ dwells in you if you are a believer.

So resolve today, by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in you, that you are not going to believe any of Satan's lies. They might sound like this, "No one cares for you," "You are not important," "No one would remember you if you did not remember them," "There is no way you could be a blessing to someone" and so on.

Secondly, make an appointment with Jesus. Set quiet time aside everyday to seek the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Truth. Read His word and choose to believe it for yourself, and then cling to His promises (Hebrews 10:23). The light of God's truth will drive away Satan's lies. Don't forget to spend time simply praising God. Nothing fights off the blues like praise and worship. Sing your favorite Christmas hymns to God and make them your prayers.

Third, do what His word says. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Ask the Lord how and who you can give to this Christmas season. When we fulfill the law of God to love our neighbor we cannot help but be blessed. Ask God to give you love for those around you. Ask Him to help you set aside your own selfish worries and desires and let His Spirit direct you and fill you to bless others (Philippians 2:3).

Here are some ideas to get you started: Spend some time visiting a nursing home, offer to baby-sit for a single mother who might have difficulty getting out (and then plan to do something simple but fun with the kids); bake a batch of cookies and deliver them to your neighbors; spend a day serving food at your local soup kitchen; invite a friend over for tea and cookies; send Christmas cards to people you don't normally get cards from and then pray for each one. Think especially of the spiritual gifts and natural talents God has given you and then give freely out of what you have received freely from the Lord (Matthew 10:8).

Copyright © 2001 Jean and Alan LeStourgeon