He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Luke 21:29-32)
The Center for Biblical Studies states Jesus died April 3, 33 AD. Jesus spoke not only to the generation that was alive then but to all generations because His words will never pass away. That generation and the last generation alive will undoubtedly be the most stressed as they saw friends and family die by the Roman sword or will experience the moon darkening and stars falling from the sky. But people of all generations experience anxiety.
Perhaps you’re injured, you or a loved one are ill, or you don’t have enough money to pay the bills. When you feel barren like a fig tree stripped in the winter, reach out to God because He is always near. Declare: “God is healing me,” or “I’m willing to work, so I know God will provide for me.”
Let God know He can trust you. Ask God for favor, and thank Him for the favor He’s given you. Give God credit to people you’ve helped through His nudging, and always spread His love. “In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way.] (Proverbs 3:6 AMP). T
Dearest Father in heaven, as you heal me or a loved one, I give you credit. You gave us marvelous bodies that heal themselves with the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for healing. As I work through a period of difficulty and prepare to leave a bad habit or trait at the cross, thank you for your favor and guidance. Show me summer is near by helping me bear fruit like a fig tree. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
I think that we all feel empty at times. From what I have read about depression, it is one of the things that is very prevalent for those with depression. When I thought of feeling empty the first thing that came to my mind was the let down after the holidays. You have had the busiest month of the year preparing for Christmas day. Then, just like that, it is all over. You are putting the Christmas decorations away till next year. For me, it can be a very lonely and isolating feeling. Feeling empty like a fig tree. So, this January 2021, help me remember that God is always with me, to pray about these feelings, and to give him the Glory. He can and will heal body and mind.
I didn’t know you felt empty after Christmas. I will be sure to pray for you and remind you that God is with you. Start praying now about it. It would also help to plan something for mid-January that you can look forward to.
Every year I get the blues when I start taking down the Christmas decorations. I always try to keep busy and keep my mind occupied. It is a lonely and isolating feeling. Good idea to start praying about it now!
If you can figure out why putting the decorations away gives you the blues, perhaps there’s something you can do to help prevent it. If it’s special time with family plan another special dinner at the middle or end of January. If it’s putting away Jesus, perhaps leaving a favorite decoration out all year would help. But as you said, praying always helps.