This time last year, panic over holiday planning took control like a boss micromanaging my every move.
I thought I’d learned to let God be in control. I thought I’d done a good job of living in the moment instead of striving for perfection, especially through the holidays. But it was December already, and somehow all the uncertainty we had been facing in 2020 caused my struggle with control to resurface.
It started innocently enough, right after Thanksgiving. Digging out Christmas decorations, deciding on the Christmas Day dinner menu, and discussing with family members who would be coming over: each task added another important item to my growing to-do list.
But as I studied the calendar for the holiday ahead, things just weren’t adding up to the perfect day I envisioned.
Maintaining Joy in a Busy Season
One day rolled into the next and I still had no idea who and how many people would be coming over. I couldn’t settle on a menu that seemed right for the different dietary needs of our guests. Would we all be there at the same time? Would everyone come-and-go according to their own schedules? Do I need to plan activities? With each passing day, I had more questions than answers.
Soon I began spiraling into a dangerous place of creating too many expectations— a place I’d been before. I felt my physical body begin to weaken. In all the planning, I’d forgotten to take care of myself like I should, and I feared I wouldn’t even be able to enjoy the blessings of the day. Was there any way to salvage the season?
“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
We love that quote from Nehemiah 8:10, don’t we? It’s one we turn to often. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” What a welcome encouragement for days when joy seems out of reach! But as I look at this Scripture again, I sense its truth speaking to me in a new way. These words read aloud by Ezra the priest not only held special meaning for the Israelites returning from exile, they also hold special significance that will bring us fresh hope today.
Discovering Joy When We Feel Overwhelmed
The wall around Jerusalem had been rebuilt. God’s people returned. So much still needed to be done. In fact, most of them had no homes to live in. Yet Ezra made it known, this was no time to grieve. This was their time to celebrate. And in verse 17, we discover that they listened and obeyed God’s command to simply enjoy themselves.
“From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.” Nehemiah 8:17
I’ve always struggled with just sitting back, taking a deep breath, and enjoying myself. Resting and being present in the moment doesn’t come easy to us go-getter types. There’s just so much to do! Thankfully we have truth from God’s Word to help us press pause when we try to control every detail and end up losing our strength in the process.
How to Let the Joy of the Lord Be Our Strength
So how do I stop that overbearing boss called ‘control’ from taking over? How do I live like the joy of the Lord is my strength? By refusing to let the possibility of unmet expectations steal my joy.
This Christmas season, I refuse to let the possibility of unmet expectations steal my joy.
One reason for this tug-of-war with control is that deep inside, we want everything to turn out okay. We fear what might happen and feel guilty over letting down our people who are counting on us. But God always has abundantly more in store, if we will let Him be our joy, strength, peace, or whatever we need each moment of each day. And when we take the pressure off of ourselves to put together the perfect holiday, God will show up in miraculous ways.
In order to live like the joy of the Lord is our strength, let’s start with this prayer.
Dear Lord, I choose to simply enjoy Christmas this year. I will let your joy be my strength. I refuse to worry over plans or what could go wrong. I let go of expectations based on my own ability. Instead I will give control back to you and watch your miracles unfold. Amen.
I will always remember Christmas Day of 2020 as one of unexpected blessings and joy beyond what I could’ve hoped for. In true God-character, He showed me the beauty He can create when I allow Him to be in charge. Various family members and friends gathered in our home for laughter, conversation, and connection. We simply had fun, and I couldn’t have planned it any better myself.
So this year as we plan for Christmas, let’s remember to choose joy. Let’s rest in His goodness and take care of ourselves instead of exhausting ourselves in the details. I can’t wait to see God’s blessings as we commit to let His joy be our strength.
