If the holiday season is more stressful than joyous for you, if you find yourself feeling anxious instead of lighthearted, or if the cold and dark of winter have started to get the better of you—you’re not alone. It can be even harder than it normally is to deal with anxiety when you’re surrounded by so much joy, and celebration. Here are four prayers and Scripture verses to bring you comfort and help ease your anxiety during the holidays.
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. – Psalm 94:19 NLT
God, this is such a joyous time for most people, but I don’t feel joy right now. I’m anxious and lonely, and I don’t want to talk about it with anyone because I don’t want to ruin people’s enjoyment. So I come to You, Lord, asking You to be present with me. Bring me comfort and peace in a way that only You can. Help me to remember that this season isn’t about me. Help me to fix my gaze on You and what Your birth meant for all of us. Thank You for coming into the world as You did—so humbly and quietly. I pray I’m able to find some rest and joy during these chaotic months. Thank You, Jesus. In Your name, amen.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT
Heavenly Father, it’s so easy to let feelings of loneliness consume me at this time of year. It seems like everyone has a person to share the season with except for me. God, may Your Word and Your love remind me daily that I am never alone. There are people in my life who love me, even if it’s hard for me to believe or accept. And above all, You are always with me, going before, behind, and beside me. You love me more than I could ever comprehend. When anxiety and loneliness are weighing heavy on my heart during these months, I will choose to turn to You and find rest in Your loving arms. In Jesus’ name, amen.
You set the boundaries of the earth, and You made summer and winter. – Psalm 74:17 NLT
God, the darkness and cold of winter are really starting to get to me. I’m sad and hopeless for reasons I can’t even really explain. But I know that You are still sovereign over the earth; the seasons are still under Your command. You designed the rhythms of the earth—and that is something to be celebrated, not dreaded; emulated, not resisted. When the world is cold, dark, and slumbering during the winter, let it be a reminder that I can slow down and rest, too. Help me to rely on You for strength and sustenance. Jesus, please renew my hope for the coming season of warmth and resurrection. I know there are brighter days ahead. Thank You, Lord. In Your name, amen.
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 NLT
Jesus, I know that no matter what I feel in any given moment, the truth of who You are never changes. You are my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. As Your Word says, You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. In moments of stress, loneliness, or anxiety, fill me with Your peace and love. I celebrate You this season, and give thanks for Your birth, life, death, resurrection, and Your eternal presence with me. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
