“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” 

It’s a popular song by Andy Williams. I’ve already heard it on the radio, on TV, and in the mall about a zillion times.

But let’s be honest. For a lot of people it is anything but. December brings about as much stress as it does candy canes.

And it can build up. Especially if you keep it inside.

I recently did an experiment. I took a five pound weight and held it sideways from my body, shoulder height. It was only five pounds, but after twenty or thirty seconds it started to feel very heavy! 

My body could manage easily for the first few seconds. But it felt heavier the more time went on.

That’s a helpful way to think about our stresses and worries when we keep them inside. Over time, they start to feel heavier.

That’s why it can be helpful to talk about your stresses and worries with someone who loves you, and with God. It won’t necessarily make your problems vanish, but it will most likely lighten the load.

In Galatians 6:2 Paul tells his readers to “Carry each other’s burdens…” The word ‘carry’ isn’t just about helping them bring in the groceries. He’s talking about providing mutual support. This includes mental and emotional support.

And then in Philippians 4:6-7 he writes: “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 these popular verses he is making a connection between sharing your worries with God and what you will increasingly experience when you make a habit of doing so: his peace!

It can be a stressful time of year. And it can build up. Especially if you keep it inside.

But when you talk about your stresses and worries with someone who loves you and with God, they might just start to feel lighter.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

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Notes:

—Bible quotes are from the NIV.