by L. Joy Douglas

joy4rain@aol.com

Book by this Author: Joy Through the Storm: An Inspirational Collection

Shredded bits of wrapping paper litter the corners, and everywhere you turn there are sparkles from fallen tree ornaments and crumbs from a half dozen different kinds of cookies. Most of the pine needles have abandoned their original spot on the tree branches only to be ground into the carpet. There they will lie in wait until summer when an unsuspecting bare foot is sure to discover them in the most unpleasant manner.

Yes, friends. I present to you the aftermath of the holidays. It is a whole new circus of figuring out what to do with all the leftovers and scribbling out thank-you notes to great Aunt Gladys for the hideous reindeer sweaters. And, of course don’t forget about deciding which diet would best combat the ten pounds that crept into your jeans somewhere around mid-December.

Even if you succeeded in keeping the focus on Christ and family during the Christmas season, it can be difficult to move into the new year without feeling a sense of disillusionment. "What’s next?" you may ask. The energy has long since been used up with not even an ounce of adrenaline left to propel a weary soul into the weeks and months ahead.

In my own personal experience, the arrival of a new year has often been a difficult time. If I am not careful, I will allow myself to dwell on all the things I failed to accomplish in the previous year. That is a dangerous road to travel, especially when fighting fatigue brought on by the hectic holiday season and all of its chaotic activity.

Feeling low physically feeds a low mood and before you know it, depression grabs hold with its icy fingers. It is so easy to sink underneath the surface and allow worries, regret and fear to overwhelm any sense of hope or anticipation. It is no wonder there are hundreds of thousands of suicide attempts each year.

But listen…I have good news. Joy does not have to be just a word in a Christmas carol. Peace does not have to be put away with the holiday décor. The answer to our questioning can be found in God’s word. "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." (Psalm 39:7)

Does life seem too difficult? Romans 8:18 and 28 paint a brighter picture. "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us…..And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Do you feel like there is nothing to look forward to? God knows differently! " ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ " (Jeremiah 29:11)

Times are hard; the future looks bleak. In the fallout of the holiday season, it can be a challenge to have a positive outlook as we move forward. But it doesn’t matter what we are facing, because every year, month, day and hour can be a fresh start!

Welcome the Savior’s presence into every area of your life. Once you have done so, He promises to be with you always. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38,39)

© L. Joy Douglas