The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Christmas time is usually filled with joy and peace, surrounded by loved ones. It’s a magical time of the year and most importantly we remember that our savior was born.
Many farmers are hurting right now and need prayers and support. This may be a tough and dark season for some and the devil is doing everything he can to knock them down.
Always remember that you matter, no matter how hopeless the future may look in the moment.
Do you ever feel like you’re the only one struggling, while everyone else around you seems to be doing well and has it all together? God still has you here for a reason. Know that He loves you and will never leave our side.
There’s a weight many farmers know well, but not just the kind that comes from planting, unexpected storms or fixing equipment. It’s the quiet burden and pressure that settles in a man’s chest, when life feels like more than he can carry.
Out on the farm and as men, we learn to tough it out, to press on no matter what. Don’t let pride take hold in your life. Somewhere along the way, we bought into the lie that asking for help makes us weak, that being strong means never bending, never breaking. That we don’t need anyone, but ourselves.
But that is not the truth, not God’s truth. You may feel buried in darkness or debt, like you’re stuck in a pit so deep the light can’t reach you. You know God is real, have a relationship with Him and say you trust Him, but there are moments you feel abandoned or maybe you’ve messed up too bad for Him to help you.
Like He’s turned His back on you and still feels the weight of the world on your shoulders. That’s a very hard place to be, but you are not alone there, even if it feels like it.
God doesn’t want us to carry that weight alone. Many times, other people are going through similar storms as you too. Some days it may be hard to get out of bed or have the energy to do anything.
The enemy whispers lies that you’re failing or affecting others negatively. You’re the only one struggling. You’ve made mistakes that can’t be fixed. You should be stronger. You’re letting your family down. They’d be better off without you. But those words are not from your Father in Heaven, they’re from the one who wants to see you fall.
Satan came to steal, kill and destroy. The truth is, your worth is not measured by how hard you work, your yields, finances, acres or your ability to hold everything together. Your worth was settled at the Cross.
God loves us more than we can comprehend. Don’t let the devil take you out of this world too soon. God can use any bad situation for the good and His glory. Keep the faith and keep pushing forward.
The Lord knows your burdens. He sees your sleepless nights, your worn out prayers, lost appetites, forced isolation, the tears you wipe away when no one’s watching.
And He does not call you weak for feeling overwhelmed, He calls you His. Even Jesus wept. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in every area of your life. You are a son of God and He wants you to lean on Him.
If your arm was broken, you’d see a doctor. If your tractor quit, you’d get it fixed. So if your heart and mind are hurting, don’t think twice about reaching out.
Talk to a doctor or therapist. Call your preacher. Talk to a friend. You’re not less of a man for needing help. You’re courageous for taking that step.
God can use many different things to help us. I struggled for years with the stress and pressure. This whole past year, God has given me a peace that surpasses all understanding. He can give anyone that peace and joy.
Surrender and let God have control. Let Him help you and find a solution. Medication isn’t a lack of faith. Counseling isn’t a defeat. Taking care of yourself is stewardship, it’s honoring the life God gave you. Let’s stop letting pride silence the pain.
Your life matters too much. Don’t carry this alone. You weren’t made to. Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
As someone who has battled with many of these thoughts in the past, please reach out to someone if you’re struggling and cry out to God for help.
God can turn any situation around and nothing on this earth is worth taking your life. Stand firm and hold on. The sun will rise again tomorrow.
God still has a plan and a purpose for your life. Let Him guide your steps and know that He is not done with your story yet! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!