I have been praying for many families through the holiday season. I’m sure you have too. I am reminded of people who are not here to celebrate the season with their loved ones, and sometimes the holidays just seem to be too much.

I have thought about the scripture in Luke 14:26. Jesus pretty much lays it out to not love your family or your life above him. Before I became a Christian, I thought he was a jerk to say the least, who hates their family? Now I understand Jesus is the only constant.

He is my comforter.

He is my teacher.

He is my advocate.

He is my love.

He is my everything.

Family isn’t constant. We try to love but often we fail. We are human. When life becomes hard to often we run to humans before God for comfort. We refuse to move forward and look to the past holding on to the hurt. Luke 9:62 talks about moving forward in life. Jesus was blunt, love him, don’t idolize your family, and move forward don’t live in the past.

Ouch, hard words.

Loving words actually.

When we know God not know of God, the level of intimacy surpasses anything on earth. When we busy ourselves loving others. The past with all of the past hurts doesn’t sting as much, life is moving forward. When we understand God is our ultimate healer and not our family, life is less stressful on everyone. I have been in the position of trying to make someone happy. The pressure of making someone have  peace and happiness was unrealistic .

Joy, peace, contentment,  and love come from God.

Prayer for today: Please God allow healing in our hearts. Let us love others. Please take the sting out of our past, missing others, and wanting our life to be different. Please let us rest in your love moving forward with intimacy with you.

In Jesus name Amen.