As the holidays approach, you might already be feeling like a woman on the edge. We can feel edgy because there’s much to do and it seems like there are few to help. We can feel stressed out because we need a lot and there are few to step in and meet us where we are hurting. Statistics also show that there are more people depressed at Christmastime than at any other time of the year. If you are finding yourself feeling this way, then I want you to focus, this week on Principle No. 2 for a Stress-Free Christmas:  Rely on God for your emotional support.

With so much to do prepare for the holidays, it’s natural for us to rely on people around us to notice when we’re overwhelmed, and offer a helping hand, or just lend some encouragement and support. The problem is, at this time of year, everyone else around us tends to be as busy as we are.

These are the times to go to God in prayer and pour out your heart before Him. Scripture says God understands our thoughts from afar (Psalm 139:2); He is a refuge for us when we need to pour out our hearts to Him (Psalm 62:8); and there is nowhere we can go (physically or emotionally) where He is not right there with us (Psalm 139:7-12).

When we look to others to understand what we’re going through, we are often disappointed. When we depend on others for emotional support, or a kind word to keep us going, we tend to feel let down. And we tend to put a burden on them that they often can’t meet. But God, your Maker and Sustainer, knows and understands what you’re feeling. Go to Him in prayer. Talk to Him about how you feel. Rely on Him for what you need. And be refreshed knowing He hears, He cares, and He understands.

As you prepare for the holidays, go to the Only One who can meet all of your emotional needs. He’s been waiting, after all, to spend more of this season with you.