This has become a God-ordained season of reflection. A time to pause and remember all that has transpired in our family at Christmastime through the years.

I remember many hardships and sorrows as well as joys and laughter that have occurred throughout my life. And this year particularly the Lord has led Tom and me to slow down and allow Him to share with us His heart.

As with any time we pause and think, there is always the temptation to despair over what was or what never happened that you prayed would happen. Oftentimes we avoid thinking about such things for it leads to discouragement and drawing attention to our hopes that have been deferred.

But not this year.

We have a renewed faith and trust in God who is the author of all our days. There is a purpose to each victory and joy, which we would all readily agree. But there is also a purpose in the heartaches. God is allowing us to take part in His joy and suffering. It’s true! Jesus willingly suffered for our salvation so that we could lean into Him when we suffer.

This month I’m celebrating 50 years as a Christian. Five decades since I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to go forward while our church choir was singing, Just As I Am. Fifty years of knowing God and learning how much He loves me. My relationship with Him has grown sweeter and stronger each year because of His faithfulness to complete the work He has for me. And my heart nearly explodes with gratefulness as I reflect on all He has done.

I can’t say that I know the reason for all we’ve experienced this year. But I do know the One who does. And my faith is stronger because of His nearness to me in my brokenness.

The point of this post is to remind you of this Truth: God is near to the broken-hearted. The babe born in Bethlehem came to rescue us from a world of sin. He is able to save to the uttermost those who are His.

We hope this week you’ll find time to reflect on all that God has done in your life–the things you understand and the things you’re still waiting to understand.

Maybe this Season will mean more to you as well.

Spiritual Intimacy Prompt: Reflect together on all God has done this year in your life and marriage. Discuss how this has helped you trust God more or less. Then spend time praying about it.