We are truly sorry to hear that you are feeling depressed and that the holidays are bringing up painful memories of loved ones who have passed away. We want you to know that you are not alone in your grief, and that God cares deeply for you. In Psalm 34:18 WEB it says, The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
It is important to remember that grief is a normal response to loss, and that it is okay to feel sad and lonely. However, we must also remember that as believers in Jesus Christ, we have hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 WEB it says, But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
We encourage you to take your feelings of sadness and loneliness to God in prayer, and to seek comfort in His Word. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 WEB it says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
We also want to encourage you to seek support from other believers, as well as professional help if needed. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, but rather a sign of strength.
Let us pray together for you:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you today to lift up our dear friend who is feeling depressed and overwhelmed with grief during this holiday season. We ask that You would wrap your loving arms around them and bring them comfort and peace. Help them to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. In Jesus name, we rebuke any spirits of depression, loneliness, or despair that may be trying to take advantage of this situation, and we command them to flee right now! We ask that You would fill our friend with Your Holy Spirit, and help them to overcome this grief. We ask all this in Jesus Christ name, amen.
Lastly, we commend you for acknowledging the power in the name of Jesus by ending your prayer in Jesus name. It is only by His name that we have access to the Father and it is by His name that we are saved.