Longings of the Soul

You’d think a post right before Christmas would be full of well wishes and holiday cheer, right?

Wrong.

Considering that 89% of Americans find this time of year to be overwhelmingly stressful—with 41% naming it the most stressful time of the year—I think there’s something more important to talk about.

One of the main reasons why most of us have a hard time around Christmas—and I’ll be honest, I’m definitely in that 41% group who dreads holidays—is that we think about all the extra stuff…

Parties to attend.

School and work functions.

Gifts to buy.

Money to afford said gifts.

Competing over who gives the best gift.

Arguing about who’s bringing what to Christmas dinner.

Travel plans.

Potentially tense, awkward family gatherings.

Missing a loved one.

Missing the warmth and sun.

Missing the idyllic holiday season that never seems to be fulfilled.

Missing the point of it all: Jesus.

When our focus strays off of the True meaning of Christmas, we’re destined to be distraught. That’s how I’ve been feeling lately, and I’ve turned to food and social media and Netflix to numb out, instead of confiding in the Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace.

Have you done the same? Are you doing it now?

Friends, let’s ponder the words of David, the man after God’s own heart, during his own time of heartache:

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. …  My tears have been my food day and night, … [and] my bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, … [but] I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Ps 42:1-11, NIV).

When he feels distant from the Lord, David draws close to Him and trusts Him in spite of his misery. Our stressors and emotions do not need to have the final say—aren’t meant to control and consume us—because the One Who satisfies our souls does (Prov 29:11).

Which brings me to this painting. It’s called So My Soul Longs (for obvious reasons) and I purposely wanted to make it confusing.

Some parts stand out vividly (the tree trunk, mama deer, the fawn she’s nursing, and various grasses), whereas others fade to the background (tree’s leaves, other two fawns, rows of grasses in the background). They require more effort to discern, more intentionality to appreciate.

That’s how our life with Christ can be. There’ll be seasons of vivid, obviously connection with Him, but also times where our ‘fire’ feels snuffed out and it’s all we can do to hang on. In those times, our faith can grow exponentially (James 1:2-4).

So in this hectic, harrowing, stressful Christmas season, try to look beyond the busyness and notice His beauty that’s all around you… but just fading to the background.

Long for Him, put in the effort to seek Him out, admit that you’re nothing without Him…

And He will become your peace. In the trials and triumphs alike.