Find Peace this Stressful Holiday Season
How we love to hear the Holiday song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”! However, it’s also one of the most stressful times of the year, and the reasons are many.
We know that lonely tears often flow; family divisions are magnified; expectations are thwarted; and family illness and loss grieve the spirit. For most of us, it’s just plain stress that grips us as we frantically strive to make Christmas special for our families and friends.
Here are some basic spiritual Scriptural solutions that have proven to bring us back into alignment to think and act Christianly in our “out of control” secular environment.
Pray
When feeling overwhelmed, stop and pray. Keep it honest and simple.
Check out Phil 4:4-7. “Do not worry, do not be anxious, but in everything pray.”
Pour it out to God
The Psalms is our Prayer Book. Read Psalms 27, 31, and 37. Scan the pages. The cries of God’s people ascend to the heavens and God hears and answers. The prayers of lament, distress, and calamity are real in The Psalms.
Ponder the comfort of the scriptures
Read Romans 8. Even when we don’t know how and what to pray, God’s Spirit prays on our behalf. We are not alone!
Jesus promises us His peace. How we need peace in our world. We need it in our hearts, minds, and very souls. In John 14, we have the complete Gospel of peace — a peace the world cannot give. It’s from heaven and it gives us joy even when life seems unmanageable. When Mary received the news her pregnancy, her heart accepted her assignment because she trusted God.
Praise and gratitude
Give thanks. Be grateful. As we look over our life’s path, we can say without doubt that God is faithful. Gratitude is good health. Medical science has researched and proven this to be true as well!
Why not keep a gratitude journal this coming year? The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians from prison. Take a bit of time and read the book of Philippians. It’s an amazing letter of joy, thanksgiving and hope.
Regardless of your circumstances, God is good. We have a Savior! Celebrate Jesus coming to give us grace, truth, and power in living. That’s everything!