Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year. Along with the pressures of buying presents, decoratiing, planning family gatherings, church activities and more, there is the internal pressures we put on ourselves to do everything right, trying to create the best possible experience for everyone else. It is easy to take matters into our own hands and feel responsible for everything. When we do, it usually leads to discouragement and frustrations during the holidays.
There is a better way ... TRUST IN THE LORD. You may not think the Lord cares much about your family gatherings and holiday traditions, or about the personal pressures you put on yourself to get everything right, but I assure you that He does. And He doesn't want you to be stressed at at Christmas. He wants you to trust in Him, and let Him give you his peace.
Proverbs 3:5-6 has a lot to say about trusting the Lord to being the Path of Peace. This passage tells us:
1. The Power of Trust
The writer of the proverb encourages us to place our complete trust in the Lord. This means surrendering our worries, fears, and anxieties to Him. When we trust in the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and His perfect plan for our lives. This trust allows us to let go of the need to control every situation and outcome. It enables us to let go of the myth of the "perfect Christmas."
2. The Danger of Self-Reliance
This passage also teaches us that leaning on our own understanding can lead to frustration, disappointment, and a sense of isolation. When we rely on our own limited knowledge and abilities, we often make decisions that are not aligned with God's will. It's important to recognize that our understanding is limited and that God's wisdom surpasses ours.
3. The Path to Straightening Our Ways
To experience the fullness of God's blessings, we must acknowledge Him in all our ways. This means seeking His guidance and direction in every aspect of our lives. When we acknowledge Him, we invite Him to work in our lives and to straighten our paths. This doesn't mean that our lives will be free from challenges, but it does mean that God will be with us every step of the way.
Trusting God at Christmas means surrendering our will to His, trusting Him to provide for everything we need, and letting Him guide our hearts and lives on His path of peace.
