Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for many. The expectations of preparing meals, hosting family, and maintaining traditions can be overwhelming.
Couple this with the emotional weight that the holiday season can bring, and it’s no wonder that many people feel stressed and anxious during this time.
But Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety, right?
The Bible recognizes these struggles and provides guidance on how to handle them. The Scriptures remind us to cast all our anxieties on God, for he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Here are 7 ways to help you truly reconnect with gratitude and find comfort amidst the holiday busyness.
1. Prayer: A powerful tool for peace
Prayer is a crucial faith practice that can help restore peace during overwhelming times. It is a direct line of communication with God, and it allows us to express our fears, worries, and anxieties.
When Thanksgiving feels overwhelming, take a moment to step away from the noise and chaos. Find a quiet space and pour your heart out to God.
Express your stress, your fears, and your worries.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
In other words, through prayer, we can experience a sense of peace that is beyond our human understanding.
This peace can protect our hearts and minds from the stress and overwhelm that often accompany the holiday season.
2. Mediation: Connecting with God’s word
Meditation is another powerful faith practice that can help alleviate stress and bring peace.
Unlike the common perception of meditation as emptying the mind, Christian meditation involves filling the mind with God’s Word.
This practice allows us to dwell on biblical truths, absorb their meaning, and apply them to our lives.
Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
During the Thanksgiving holiday, meditating on verses that speak about peace, gratitude, and God’s goodness can be especially beneficial.
Consider meditating on verses like Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 34:4, or Matthew 11:28-30. These verses remind us of God’s promises to provide peace and rest for our weary souls.
3. Gratitude: The antidote to stress
It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to combat stress and overwhelm is by practicing gratitude.
Even amid chaos, there are always things to be grateful for.
The Bible repeatedly encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we focus on what we’re thankful for, it shifts our attention away from our worries and onto God’s blessings.
This Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to write down the things we’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a warm home, a loving family, or a delicious meal.
By intentionally recognizing these blessings, we change our perspective and start to see God’s love and provision in our lives.
Gratitude doesn’t eliminate stress, but it does give us the strength to face it. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and fills us with peace that comes from knowing we’re not alone in our struggles.
Remember: God’s grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).
4. Sabbath rest: A divine antidote to stress
Have you ever considered how God created the concept of rest?
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget the importance of rest. But God knew we would need it, so He created the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is a day of rest, a break from our regular work (Exodus 20:8-11). It’s a day to refocus our minds and hearts on God.
A day to rejuvenate our spirits and remind ourselves of who we are and who God is.
During Thanksgiving, consider setting aside time for a personal Sabbath. It doesn’t have to be a whole day – even a few hours can make a difference. Use this time to disconnect from your responsibilities and connect with God.
Spend time in prayer, read the Scriptures, or simply sit in silence and allow God’s peace to fill you.
This intentional time of rest can provide the spiritual refreshment you need to navigate the holiday season with grace and peace.
Did you know that in biblical times, the Sabbath was so important that not observing it was considered a serious offense? This highlights just how significant rest is in our spiritual lives.
5. Fellowship: Strength in community
During stressful times, it’s easy to isolate ourselves, but this can often lead to more stress and anxiety. God created us to be in community with others.
We are encouraged to bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and there is strength and comfort in fellowship with other believers.
During Thanksgiving, consider reaching out to your church community or a group of close friends. Share your struggles and ask for prayer.
You might be surprised at how much this can lighten your load.
What’s more, fellowship doesn’t only have to be about sharing struggles. It can also include:
- Praying together
- Studying the Bible together
- Sharing meals together
These simple acts of fellowship can provide comfort, encouragement, and peace during stressful times. Simply put, we are stronger together.
6. Service: Finding peace in helping others
There’s a profound truth that when we serve others, we often find that our own burdens feel lighter.
It’s an amazing facet of human nature and a testament to the teachings of Jesus who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
During the Thanksgiving season, look for opportunities to help others.
It could be as simple as helping a neighbor with their groceries, volunteering at a local food bank, or simply being there for a friend who needs someone to talk to.
Serving doesn’t have to be grand or extravagant. Even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life and bring you a sense of peace and satisfaction that is hard to describe.
When we shift our focus from our own worries to the needs of others, we often find that our stress diminishes. It’s a beautiful way to embody the spirit of Thanksgiving and experience the peace that comes from selfless giving.
Let’s make an effort to serve others this holiday season.
7. Worship: Celebrating God’s goodness
Imagine this:
It’s Thanksgiving day. The turkey is in the oven, the table is set, and you’re feeling overwhelmed.
What if, at that moment, you decide to turn on some worship music and just praise God for his goodness?
Well, worship is a powerful way to shift our focus from our worries to God’s goodness. When we worship, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and remind ourselves that He is in control.
In times of stress, worship can provide a sense of peace and calm. It’s a tangible way to “set our minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
So this Thanksgiving, amid all the cooking and planning, take a moment to worship. Sing a hymn, listen to a worship song, or simply express your gratitude to God for His endless love and grace.
Through worship, you can experience the peace and joy that come from focusing on God’s goodness rather than your stress.
I assure you, it’s a practice that has never failed me in my most overwhelming moments.
What’s your next step towards peace?
Having explored the seven faith practices that can restore peace when Thanksgiving feels overwhelming, the question now is, how will you implement them?
The key lies in taking small, intentional steps toward incorporating these practices into your daily life.
Consider starting with one practice that resonates with you the most.
Maybe it’s setting aside time each day for prayer or making a conscious effort to practice gratitude. Once you’ve established one practice, you can gradually add others.
Don’t expect drastic changes overnight. Spiritual growth is a gradual process that requires time and persistence. But rest assured that every step you take in this direction brings you closer to experiencing God’s peace in your life.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
