The holidays are often a difficult time for many people, even when surrounded by family and friends, and even when there’s no specific reason. Sometimes, it’s just difficult. And that’s okay.
If you’re wondering how you can be happy during the holidays, then keep reading for some uplifting encouragement and practical tips!
As someone who is no stranger to disappointment and discouragement (read more about my story HERE), I’ve learned that life often does not go as planned.
There will always be a hiccup when our happiness depends on what happens in this life. If you are not disappointed right now, then you were disappointed not long ago, or you will be disappointed soon. That’s just facts.
If we are depending on this life to make us happy, it never will.
So, if we can’t depend on life to make us happy, what can we depend on? Proverbs 3:13-15 tells us, “Happy is the one who finds wisdom. All that you desire cannot compare with her.”
When I read that, I think, “Are you serious? All that I desire cannot compare with wisdom? Because I can desire some pretty great things. And you are telling me that none of them can compare with wisdom, God?”
Jesus answers, “That’s right. Wisdom is all you need.”
He’s telling the truth. As someone who has experience with what it feels like to be on her deathbed, I can attest to you that there was an indescribable peace in my soul.
And I would rather have storms on the outside and peace on the inside, than peace on the outside and storms on the inside. The way that occurs is by learning how happiness happens.
See, happiness is not about not having problems or pain. Happiness is about having His presence and promises. God will never leave you. He will never lie to you.
And I don’t care how many times you have been left and lied to; you can trust Him.
Even during the holidays.
God is always speaking, and He will tell you what you need to know. He will tell you how to be happy. But in my experience, He rarely says, “Here’s the whole map!” Instead, He usually says, “Here’s the next step.”
That’s why those who are wise are happy. Because they have learned to listen to Him. And what peace it is when you can hear the next step.
But if you are going to hear Him, you are going to have to make wisdom a priority, and most people don’t.
And if you are going to make wisdom a priority, then you have to make the Bible a priority.
Reading the Bible is the only way to learn how to listen to God! It’s the only way you can learn God’s ways and live under a waterfall of blessing.
God is constantly pouring down from heaven. Jesus loves you so much and wants to bless you, so He just keeps on pouring.
You’ve probably heard the verse that tells us God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Those who are wise say,
“I agree! You are higher, Lord. You are over me and I submit. I choose to stay right here under Your covering. What You think and say, I will think and say. What You do, I will do. Even when it’s hard. Even when I don’t want to.”
Now, you may be wondering how to make the Bible a priority in your life. Maybe you’ve tried many times before, but you feel you just can’t connect with it or you’re just not able to get into a good routine.
Trust me, I get it! I get bored and I get distracted. I have forgotten for days on end.
It used to be worse for me but now it’s better, because I started following a simple pattern that allowed me to form a Bible-reading practice that is consistent.
Are you ready to learn what it is?
Just decide to read one chapter a day for the rest of your life.
That’s it. Decide that this is who you are and what you do.
We’re not going for a goal to read the entire Bible in one year. That would cause us to try to cram five or ten chapters at a time. And it implies that one day you will stop reading.
So, just read one chapter a day.
And if you skip a day, do not try to catch up! That is the kiss of death to a Bible-reading plan. Playing catch up will kill your desire to read the Bible.
It’s time to accept the fact that you will be reading for the rest of your life. There is no end goal. Let go of the pressure and just enjoy His presence and His promises. Wisdom will come.
And there’s no better time to start than right now! Once you start reading, you’ll find that you crave it more and more.
And if you’re feeling lonely and discouraged during the holidays, reading the Bible is a sure-fire way to boost your spirits and feel happy. You aren’t alone when you connect with God.
You could start with Psalms or you could start with the New Testament. Both are great places to start and to experience God’s immense love for you.
Conclusion:
If you’re feeling down and discouraged, and want to be happy during the holidays, turn to the only One who can wholly and deeply comfort you. He has the answers and He will never leave you or lie to you.
You don’t have to feel alone this holiday season. Start by reading one chapter of the Bible every day and commit to seeking wisdom.
It’s okay if you miss a few days, but having a solid Bible-reading routine in place is the key to connecting with God.
When we depend on this life to make us happy, we will only ever be disappointed. But when we decide to make wisdom a priority, only then will we find true happiness and peace.
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