Three Steps to a Calmer Holiday Season

Even though Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of my favorite times of the year, it’s no question—these days have potential disaster written all over them! There is so much to do, so many decisions to make, so many people to make happy.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” I don’t know about you, but I get a great deal of encouragement from that verse—especially this time of year.

It’s easy to lose sight of what’s really important, isn’t it? Through the years, I’ve developed a little three-step method to make sure first things like spending time with God are truly first, especially at this time of year.

(1)   Set Aside a Time. Allof your time will be better spent when you spend some of it in God’s Word. Yes, even in these full days before Thanksgiving and Christmas! It will not only help you keep your own sanity, it will calm everyone around you.

(2)   Make It Your FirstTime.Make it a point to give the first minutes of each day to reading something out of God’s Word. It doesn’t have to be a long stretch of time, although once you start, you’ll likely find yourself craving more. But that’s one craving that’s a good thing! Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with the first-fruits of all your increase.” You’ll be blessed in your spirit and in your practical life when you make it a point to give God the first portion of time from your day.

(3)   Make It an EarlyTime. David wrote in Psalm 63:1, “O God, early will I seek you.” The Bible says Abraham got up early in the morning and went to the place where he met with the Lord. And our Lord Jesus rose up early–the Bible says while it was still night–to talk with His heavenly Father.

Three small steps: (1) a time, (2) the first time, and (3) an early time. It’s a simple formula, and I encourage you to follow it in the days and weeks ahead. You’ll be so glad you did. Happy Holidays!


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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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