There are special occasions and times throughout the year, including holidays, that many people anticipate as seasons of family, friends, fellowship, laughter, and memorable moments. However, for many people, these occasions are not always filled with happiness. In fact, some are already experiencing anxiety as they think about the holidays ahead.
The reality is that special occasions can magnify some of the challenges we experience in life.
Some have lost loved ones who will no longer be present at family gatherings. Others are caregivers, dealing with financial hardships, navigating family conflicts, experiencing separation or divorce, or simply feeling alone.
And then there are those who look around and see what appears to be everyone else's happiness while privately struggling with their own circumstances.
It is important to acknowledge that these feelings are real. We don't have to pretend everything is wonderful when it isn't. Grief is real. Disappointment is real. Loneliness is real.
But here is the encouragement: We do not have to allow our circumstances or emotions to dictate how we experience this season.
God invites us into a place where His peace can sustain us, His love can cover us, and His joy can strengthen us even when life doesn't look the way we hoped it would.
This message isn't just for the holidays. It applies to birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, family gatherings, and any occasion that may bring difficult emotions to the surface.
Let's consider five keys to experiencing God's peace and allowing His love to carry us through.
1. Press Your Way to Rejoice and Watch God's Peace Come
Philippians 4:4–7
Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always. He also reminds us not to be anxious about anything, but to bring everything to God through prayer and thanksgiving. The result is the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
One of the most challenging things to do when experiencing sadness, loneliness, or disappointment is to rejoice. Sometimes, the last thing we feel like doing is celebrating.
But notice that Paul doesn't tell us to rejoice because everything in our lives is going well. He tells us to rejoice in the Lord.
There is a difference.
Our joy should not be dependent on who shows up, what gifts we receive, how much money we have, or whether our circumstances meet our expectations. Our joy is rooted in who God is and the assurance that He is present regardless of what we are experiencing.
Sometimes we have to press our way into rejoicing. We may have to make a conscious decision to worship, pray, listen to uplifting music, or remind ourselves of God's faithfulness.
And something happens when we do this. We begin shifting our attention from what is missing to the One who is always present.
Key takeaway: Don't wait until everything is perfect to experience joy. Make room for God to bring you peace right where you are.
2. Be Refreshed by Uplifting Others
Proverbs 11:25
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
One way we can navigate difficult seasons is by finding opportunities to encourage and uplift someone else.
When we are hurting, it is natural to become consumed with what we are experiencing. We focus on what we have lost, what we don't have, or what we wish were different.
While it is important to acknowledge our emotions, we should also consider looking beyond ourselves.
Is there someone who could benefit from a phone call? Is there an elderly person who would appreciate a visit? Could you prepare a meal for someone who is struggling? Could you encourage someone who may be experiencing the same loneliness you are feeling?
Giving is not always financial. Sometimes the most meaningful gift we can offer is our time, attention, encouragement, or presence.
This isn't about ignoring your own needs. It is about recognizing that even in seasons when we need encouragement, God can still use us to encourage someone else.
Key takeaway: Don't allow what you are experiencing to prevent you from being a blessing to someone else. There is still something you can give, and God can use your willingness to refresh another person's spirit while refreshing yours.
3. Have an Expectation That This Year Can Be Different and Better Than the Last
Philippians 4:8
Paul encourages us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
Our thoughts have a tremendous influence on how we approach life. Sometimes, before an occasion even arrives, we have already decided how it will make us feel based on what happened in previous years.
We remember the disappointment, the arguments, the loneliness, or the people who were missing. Before we know it, we begin anticipating another difficult experience.
But what if we approached this year differently?
What if, instead of rehearsing everything that went wrong last year, we began preparing our hearts for what God can do this year?
This doesn't mean every circumstance will suddenly change. It means we should not allow yesterday's experiences to determine tomorrow's expectations.
Perhaps you will establish a new tradition, spend time with different people, volunteer, travel, attend a church service, or simply create a peaceful environment for yourself.
It may not look like previous years, but different doesn't have to mean disappointing.
Key takeaway: Don't automatically assign this year's experience the same outcome as last year's. Give yourself permission to anticipate new experiences and trust God with what is ahead.
4. Make Room for God to Do Something New
Isaiah 43:18–19
God reminds His people not to dwell on former things because He is doing something new.
One reason we sometimes struggle with special occasions is that we become attached to how things used to be.
We remember the family gatherings, the traditions, the people who were always present, and the way things looked before life changed.
There is nothing wrong with cherishing memories. However, we must be careful not to become so attached to what was that we cannot recognize what God may be doing now.
Perhaps the holidays will not look the way they once did. Perhaps the family structure has changed, a relationship has ended, or a loved one has passed away.
You may need to establish new traditions, discover new ways to celebrate, or find new sources of fellowship and encouragement.
Don't limit the areas where you allow God to do something new. Give Him room to lead you into a different experience.
The new thing may not replace what you lost, but it can still bring purpose, fulfillment, and joy into your life.
Key takeaway: Don't become so focused on what was that you miss what God is doing now. Make room for new experiences and new opportunities for joy.
5. Talk to God About What You Are Experiencing. You Don't Have to Carry It Alone.
Psalm 55:22
"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you."
Psalm 62:8
"Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
Sometimes, the best thing we can do when struggling emotionally is simply talk to God.
Not necessarily a rehearsed prayer or a lengthy prayer filled with religious language. Just an honest conversation with our Heavenly Father.
Tell Him how you feel.
Tell Him that you miss someone. Tell Him that you are disappointed, lonely, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the future. Tell Him that you are struggling to find joy during a season when everyone else seems to be celebrating.
God already knows what is in your heart, but He invites us to bring those feelings to Him.
Psalm 62:8 encourages us to pour out our hearts before Him because He is our refuge.
A refuge is a place of protection, safety, and shelter.
When the world feels overwhelming, when relationships are disappointing, and when circumstances are beyond our control, we have somewhere to go.
We can hide ourselves in Him.
Psalm 55:22 reminds us that we can cast our burdens upon the Lord, and He will sustain us. The promise is not necessarily that every burden will immediately disappear. It is that God will sustain us as we navigate what we are carrying.
So be intentional about taking your emotions to God during this season. Spend time in prayer, read His Word, worship, and remind yourself of His promises.
And remember, seeking support from trusted people, pastors, or professional counselors when you need it is not a lack of faith. God can work through others to help sustain us, too.
Key takeaway: You do not have to sit alone in your feelings or carry every burden by yourself. God invites you to bring your whole heart to Him. Allow Him to be your refuge.
Reflection: Allowing God's Peace and Joy to Become Your Experience
As we approach the holidays and other special occasions, remember something important:
Experiencing God's joy and peace does not mean you will never feel sad, miss someone, or wish things were different.
It means sadness does not have to be the only emotion you experience. Grief can coexist with gratitude. Loneliness can coexist with the assurance of God's presence. Uncertainty can coexist with faith.
God's peace is not about pretending everything is okay. It is about trusting that He is still God when everything around you doesn't feel okay.
You may not be able to control who shows up, what happens within your family, or whether certain circumstances change. But you can make a decision to seek God, lean on His promises, and allow His love to cover you.
Take a moment to consider:
Am I allowing past disappointments to determine how I expect this occasion to unfold?
What can I do differently to create an atmosphere of peace and joy?
Have I been intentional about bringing my emotions and concerns to God?
Am I making room for God to do something new in my life?
Closing: You Are Never Alone When God Is With You
Romans 8:38–39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What a powerful reminder!
People may come and go. Relationships may change. Circumstances may shift. Traditions may look different. But God's love remains constant.
So, this year, don't just focus on surviving the holidays. Focus on allowing God to sustain you through them.
Press your way into His presence. Make room for joy. Encourage someone else. Expect Him to do something new. And most importantly, allow His peace to rule your heart.
You may not have everything you desire, and everything may not look the way you planned, but you have access to the One who promises never to leave you or forsake you.
You are loved. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. And you can experience God's peace even in the middle of life's most difficult seasons.
Don't just survive the season. Allow God to sustain you, refresh you, and remind you that you are always covered by His love!