The holidays energize most people, but for some, rather than feeling happy and excited, they struggle through the season fighting dread and depression. Weary and worn down, it’s easy to default to “fight, flight, or freeze” responses to deal with everything, trying to either control circumstances, run away from them, or completely shield yourself.
Those choices seem natural, especially considering all you’ve been through. But your identity in Jesus is supernatural. You are the son or daughter of the author of love, light, and life. Instead of defaulting to fight, flight, or freeze, you’re choosing a love which is healing your heart, a light that’s renewing your mind, and a life that’s transforming how you see and engage the world.
To help strengthen yourself in God’s love, light, and life, find the scriptures which encourage you the most, and say them out loud. Here are a few of mine, which I’ve paraphrased:
“God loves me with an everlasting love! With relentless kindness he’s drawing me closer and closer to himself” (Jer. 31:3).
“The Lord really is paying attention to me, and hears my heart’s cry. He’s right here with me in my brokenness, and he’s setting me free” (Psalm 34:17-18).
“My heart is strong, and my faith courageous! I won’t be intimidated by anyone, or afraid of any circumstance, for the Lord is with me every step of the way. He will never abandon me or stop loving me” (Deut. 31:6).
Equip Your Spirit 