Holiday Stress

The holiday season often comes with a mix of joy and stress. In her insightful article, 10 Calming Bible Verses to Cope with Holiday Stress, Alicia Searl captures this tension beautifully, reminding us to pause, breathe, and surrender our burdens to the Lord. Her reflections, paired with Scripture, offer a powerful reminder that peace is found not in perfection but in the presence of God.

Here are three ways to anchor yourself in His peace this season:

1. Live in the Moment
   In Matthew 6:34, Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of its own. This simple yet profound truth invites us to shift our focus from the overwhelming tasks ahead to the blessings unfolding right now. When we fixate on the future or dwell on the past, we miss the beauty of the present. Take a moment to savor a family dinner, admire the glow of Christmas lights, or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. These small acts of mindfulness can reveal God’s grace in the here and now.

2. Rest in His Promises
   John 14:27 reminds us of the peace Jesus gives—a peace not found in the fleeting comforts of this world but rooted in His eternal presence. This peace isn’t about the absence of chaos but the calm assurance that Christ walks with us through every storm. To rest in His promises, carve out intentional moments of stillness. Reflect on the hope of His birth, whisper a prayer of thanks, or meditate on His Word. Let His unchanging nature steady your heart in a season that often feels hurried and unpredictable.

3. Trust and Let Go
   Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. This can be challenging when we feel the weight of holiday expectations pressing down on us. Yet, surrendering control to God is an act of faith that opens the door to His peace. Trusting Him means letting go of perfection, relinquishing the need to have it all figured out, and believing that His plan is greater than ours. When we release the stress of "doing it all," we create space for God to work in unexpected and beautiful ways.

This Christmas, let’s follow Alicia’s wisdom: gaze on the hope found in Christ, seek stillness, and let gratitude reshape our hearts. With every worry laid at His feet, we create space for His joy to fill our weary souls. As Alicia says, “Take a deep breath—in and out—and join me in seeking the Lord this season.”

May His peace be your anchor.