Hope For The Holiday Season

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. - Isaiah 26:3

I lost my grandfather in February, and this verse has been such a comfort to me as I approach my first holiday season. For some reason, his absence feels so much bigger around the holidays. Here's the thing: God gets it. He knows we're hurting when we lose someone we love. Remember how Jesus reacted when he visited Mary and Martha? Even though he knew he was about to bring Lazarus back, he still cried with them (John 11:35). That always struck me as so human and so divine at the same time.

This peace that God offers? It's not like anything else. It's not about forgetting our loved ones or pretending everything's okay. It's more like a reassuring presence that wraps around you, reminding you that even though it hurts right now, things will get better.

This verse reminds me that God is available 24/7 - no office hours, no holidays off. So, this verse tells me that it's okay to hurt, but it’s also okay to hope. Trusting in God doesn't make the pain magically disappear, but it can make each day a bit more bearable. So if you're missing someone this holiday season, remember: it's okay to cry, and it’s also okay to find moments of peace. God is right there with you, just like He was with Mary and Martha, ready to offer that perfect peace when you need it most.

Devotional written by Awaken Team Member, Samantha Papp