Changing Seasons
We are entering the holiday season, a time often filled with romanticized emotions. The leaves are changing colors and falling, and the weather is cooler— at least for a few moments each morning. Holiday music quietly becomes the backdrop of our lives as we plan family gatherings and shop for groceries. Many families and friends will soon sit around tables, sharing laughter and stories. Then, before we know it, we begin preparations for Christmas: all the same fun, but with presents added in. And of course, there’s the non-stop stream of Hallmark Christmas movies.
It’s a joyful season—at least for some. Over more than 30 years in ministry and life, I’ve learned that as beautiful as the holidays can be, they can also be complicated and messy. For some, holiday postcard moments are torn and tattered.
Recently, we’ve been having important and sometimes heavy conversations about mental health. These aren’t always popular topics in a church setting, but my concern as a pastor is not just growing attendance— it’s about helping people grow in faith and discover how the Bible is relevant to all areas of life.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve discussed worry, anger, addiction, trauma, grief, depression, and suicide. Most of these are normal, everyday emotions. Almost all of us know what it’s like to worry about everything, to feel anger when someone cuts us off in traffic, or to experience trauma in different ways. Those traumas can lead to addiction, grief, depression, and more. Sometimes, we seek comfort in unhealthy ways because we want to avoid pain and discomfort.
The Bible offers life-giving tools: attending church regularly, connecting with a small group of friends to share life’s ups and downs, and having what I call “2 a.m. friends”— the kind you can call at any hour. Sometimes, we also need to seek professional help.
Why do we hesitate to care for our mental and emotional health? We go to the doctor when our body hurts—why not when our heart or mind does?
Let me offer you hope. Psalm 23:4 assures us: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
This holiday season, let’s turn down the noise and let go of the pressure to have a perfect holiday. Ask yourself: What
dark valley are you in? God’s rod and staff provide discipline, accountability, and comfort.
On the other side of the valley, there’s rest—true rest that only God provides for the deepest parts of our soul.
If you don’t have a church community, find one. If you don’t have a group of friends to share life with, seek them out.
If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to find a counselor.
You don’t have to pretend or live out a Hallmark holiday. It’s okay to need help—and to seek it is healthy and normal.
If you need help right now, call 988.