Do You Feel Discouraged This Christmas? 

by Rochelle Holben

Christmas is the season for belief! But WHAT we believe is so important. 

Our beliefs can lead us straight to life or slowly away from life, straight to hope or slowly away from hope. Consequently, it’s important we take our thoughts captive and align them with truth.

If the holidays are a difficult time of year for you, here are three ways you can double check your thoughts and make sure what you believe lines up with the hope of Jesus.

1. Judge your beliefs by God’s Word. 

Depend on God’s Word to be a sure and steady light in your life. 

Fill yourself up with His voice by reading it and letting it permeate your thoughts. Take the time to understand what the Holy Spirit is revealing to your heart.

Every single belief inside you gets to reflect the abundant life found in Jesus. That is exactly what Creator God wants you to have—a life more abundant.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV)

2. Invite people you love and trust to speak into you. 

When we choose to listen to a “multitude of counselors,” we uncover wisdom and find a sturdy road for our feet. At Elijah House, I heavily rely on the idea of multiple counselors:

Without counsel, plans go awry,
But in the multitude of counselors they are established. (Prov. 15:22 NKJV)

3. Trust God to lead you. 

The Creator is your hope of glory, and you can fully trust Him to lead you in all things.

Obviously, this doesn’t mean you’ll never stub your toe or make a mistake—but it DOES mean He will take you by the hand and teach you how to hear His still, small voice that provides a quiet internal check when something isn’t quite right. 

 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isa. 30:21 ESV)

Hope for Every Season

This time of year, the word believe is everywhere—at the mall, on signs in the neighbor’s yard, on dishtowels and Christmas napkins. As that word wraps around us this season, let’s pause and look at the One who is the hope of our hearts.

Many people like to say, “Jesus is the reason for the season!” That statement is absolutely true—but Jesus is the reason ALL the time, for every season throughout the year. Everything we have is anchored in Him, and everything we go through finds healing and warmth beside His fire.

Whatever season you’re in right now, Jesus is right here with you, leading you deeper into Himself.