For those struggling at Christmas or anytime for that matter

This morning, I have been struggling with feeling some depression. I have been fighting a lot of things off and have been sick and pretty exhausted for the most part. We celebrated Christmas yesterday with the children in the morning and my family in the afternoon. It is 9 in the morning and my children are still in bed. This is a miracle of Christmas. Either that, or they are just as exhausted as I am. So, this morning I was feeling like I had been when I was when I first was born again. Wallowing in self disgust, feeling not as good as anybody else (who appear to have it "all together" having no one to turn to, etc. I cry out to Jesus because I want to sit in his lap today. There are so many hurting and lonely people. Usually, when I get in these places I go ahead and pray for other people who are struggling with the same things. I have learned that this walk is not just about me and my pity parties. It's about serving each other in the fear of the Lord. So I begin to pray:

"Lord, I pray for strength to rise up in your people. As they wait for you, do not let their hearts grow sick. I speak life over them and ask Holy Spirit to bring comfort to those that mourn today. I pray that they can turn their eyes to you Jesus and see you as our hope. Then our despair is immediately turned to joy as we gaze upon you. This is the day we celebrate you coming down from all your glory and your splendor to walk in the pit of our humanity just for us. For our freedom, oh Lord, you did this. Oh Lord I pray that we would keep our eyes fixed upon you, the author and the finisher of our faith. When we hear your Word may it be mixed with faith and they bring profit to all around us. Happy birthday Jesus! I am so glad and extremely blessed that you came down. For without you, I would stay in the suicidal pits that the devil would love for me to stay in. Those pits that I was never able to break free from in my own strength. But because you came, I can face tomorrow. Not only can I face it, but I can pray for those who do not have the strength to face it alone. That is true freedom! Thank you Jesus! Happy Birthday to you!!! May our lives bring you JOY!! "

I get excited just thinking about how awesome He is now. Here, this day started out to be a day of depression and darkness. But like He always does, He turned my mourning into joy as I looked unto  the author and the finisher of my faith. As I step out and do what the Word says by looking to Jesus and doing what He says (praying for others) the Word is mixed with Faith and brings profit. (Hebrews 4) May His Word (Jesus) bring you profit as it is mixed with faith! Merry Christmas!