Home Again: 17 Verses for Managing Holiday Anxiety
OK, here we go. How many are gearing up to see friends and family and maybe even some “frenemies” that you only see this time of year? How many of you have just the slightest tinge of dread? So often this time of year I hear horror stories and watch as fear and anxiety cripple so many strong, beautiful Christian women. Does something inside you threaten to revert back to that insecure, middle school girl when
faced with the ones who witnessed those fateful times in your life?
Me too!
Hey, I get it! As much of a hormonal, dramatic, overly sensitive ball of emotions as I can be now I was a million times worse as an adolescent. Despite having been out of my parents’ home for disgustingly close to 20 years now, sometimes just pulling into their driveway is enough for all those old insecurities and middle school nightmares to come raining back down on me.
It is important to note (especially because sometimes my mom reads this!) – I am not saying it is my family causing my inner turmoil. I am saying it is my mind that goes back to who I was and forgets who I have become.
2 Power Thoughts
As much as we may not like who we were in a past season of our lives, let’s remember two things:
1.) God loved us just as much then as He does now. (Romans 5:8) His love is unconditional and completely independent from how we act and how we see ourselves. (Can I get a “”Thanks you, Jesus?”)
2.) Were it not for who we were, we wouldn’t be who we are. It is in the “going through” that we become stronger, wiser, and more relatable. And let us not forget that His power is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9) Praise Him! Without the mess there wouldn’t be much of a message.
Did you catch the post Breaking Free From Controlling Emotions: A Powerful Weapon for When You Feel Powerless? If not, I encourage you to go check it out now.
A Plan for Immediate Action
How about we challenge each other in this; the moment we begin to feel those old insecurities and feelings threatening to overtake us we remember 1 Corinthians 6:12 and immediately say, “I will not become a slave to anything or be brought under its power.” And then step out in the assurance of our worth and value. Remembering we are on mission for Him to share His love wherever we go with whomever we meet. (2 Cor. 5:20)
You Are Strong
If this is something that is weighing heavy on you right now as we head into what should be a season of thankfulness, love and joy, I want to encourage you with this…You are strong. You are beautiful. And you have the mind of Christ! (1 Cor. 2:16)
If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, the very same God who raised Him from the dead lives on the inside of you, and you walk in that power each and every moment. (Romans 8:11) No circumstances, no feelings, and no past hurts have the right to take you under their control because you are a woman of God. You do not have to bow down to the old chains the enemy is trying to ensnare you with. (Hebrews 12:1)
Positive Confessions
Here are some positive confessions I hope you will write down and take with you as we finish the year strong! And may the peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:7)
- I am not easily offended. (1 Corinthians 13:5)
- I am strong in the Lord and mighty and his power. (Ephesians 6:10-11)
- I love others because Christ loves me. (John 13:34)
- I make allowances for others’ faults, and I quickly and freely forgive anyone who offends me. (Ephesians 3:12-13)
- As far as it depends on me I live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
- God gives me power to keep myself calm. (Psalm 94:13)
- I look for ways to make others feel loved and special. (Hebrews 10:24)
For more great resources along these lines I highly recommend Joyce Meyer’s books Battlefield of the Mind and Living Beyond Your Feelings: Controlling Emotions So They Don’t Control You
“When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up. In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!” (Psalm 94:18-19 AMPC)
“HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].”
(Psalm 91:1 AMPC)
If you recognize this post as being basically a re-posting from last year this time, you are right. Figured if I could use a refresher maybe others could too!
