Helpless

What is with this time of year? Isn't is supposed to be the "most wonderful time of the year"? Apparently NOT!

Many of my friends are hurting right now, whether they are telling me or not, I know it deep down that they are. I'm referring to relationship problems here, whether it's a break up, someone not amounting to what they can be (and therefore disappointing my friend), or deceitful things causing them to end the relationship even though they don't want to.

I have been through almost all of these scenarios, and I wish there was something more I could do for my friends, to take away this pain from their hearts, which I know is affecting them greatly (as it affected me greatly, so I make this assumption). Even if I could take the pain onto myself, as long as it was off them, I could deal with it. I have dealt with the pain, so dealing with it again would not be as bad as them having to deal with it. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others when others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." This is a fitting verse, as it sums up exactly how I feel about my friends right now, and how I want to take away the pain that they are feeling, just as God probably wanted to take away the pain I was feeling when I went through different heart breaks. However, I do realize that they need to deal with it on their own, and that I can be there for them in whatever way they need me. In prayer, as a shoulder to cry on, as someone to talk to and discuss their situation with in comfort and confidentiality, to offer hope and support, to point them to God as well as I can, to cheer them up...and the list goes on and on with the endless possibilities.

Heavenly Father, I lift up my brothers and sisters who are hurting right now. I pray that you will put your comforting hand on them so that they can feel your presence in this situation. I pray that they will look to you for guidance and understanding as they go through the upcoming days leading to the miracle of the birth of Jesus our Lord. Thank you that you are a loving God, and that we can trust that you have a purpose for all of this hurt your children are feeling. If it is in your will, I pray that you will make your purpose known and clear in the perfect timing that we acknowledge you have. Bless my friends and I thank you for their friendship. I ask that you give me words of encouragement, of faith, and of truthfulness as I love them for who they are. I ask these things in your holy and precious name, Amen.