“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down;You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it O LORD.” 

Psalm 139:1-4

The holidays can be a difficult time for people who have lost a loved one, who are separated from their families, or for people who are experiencing loss.

The feelings of loneliness seem especially difficult this time of year because there is added pressure to be happy and cheerful. Christmas songs broadcast this, and everywhere we look, we see reminders of the fact that the holidays are meant to be shared with loved ones. For those who cannot be with people they love for the holidays, these are painful reminders. Memories of holidays past come to mind, and depression sets in.

A couple Christmases ago, I was unable to be with my fiancé for Christmas—we were separated for reasons beyond our control. I was able to see my mom in the nursing home, and I was able to eat with my elderly father. But the holiday season that year was difficult for me. I was not in a Christmasy mood, and I looked forward to the time when it was all over.

Of course I know that Christmas is not about me, it’s about celebrating Jesus’ birth. But I am still human. And that year, I really struggled.

I don’t have any profound advice to offer someone going through a difficult time during the holidays. But I do want to say I understand because I’ve been there. And I also want to say that you are never alone.

Psalm 139 is always comforting for me to read. God is so close to us that he knows when we sit, when we stand, when we lie down. He knows all our thoughts and all of our ways. Before we speak, he knows what we are going to say. He is ever-present and all-knowing. And he cares for us beyond measure. It is helpful to meditate on these things, and know that no matter what we are going through, he is with us. We are never truly alone.

Lord, you know when I sit and when I stand. You know my thoughts and you know my struggles. Help me to turn to you at all times and to recognize that you are always with me. With you, I am never alone.