Don’t let the enemy steal your joy, friends. Especially this time of year. He’s going to try. You know this.

If Satan can’t discourage you from following Christ, then he’s going to distract you with worldly things. And when those attempts don’t work, he’ll attack through people you love, even twisting what you enjoy. Before you know it, the darkness of depression settles over you like a thick fog.

You begin to feel lost in the darkness. No one knows. You feel alone. You struggle in isolation. You call out to God through tears and wonder what’s going on because it’s never been this bad before.

But then there’s a spark in your soul. An answer. A word, maybe two, comes to you.

Wait.
Be still.
I’m here.

The spark begins to burn and a sense of purpose through it all. There is a reason. You don’t know what it is, but you trust God.

Suddenly an image comes to your mind. You see yourself on your knees, head down, tears streaming and flowing down your cheeks.

But then a shift. God touches you. He gives you strength. The power of His hand, of His Holy Spirit, surges.

You lift your chin.
Your tears are dried.
The fire is in your eyes.
You will not be shaken.

And then, you get back up.