Breathe In Grace, Breathe Out Worry: Releasing Anxiety During the Holidays

The holidays bring a whirlwind of activity—planning meals, buying gifts, attending gatherings, and meeting expectations. While it’s a season meant for joy and connection, it often creates anxiety and worry. How will everything get done? Will it all be perfect?

The good news is that we don’t have to carry these burdens alone. God invites us to release our anxieties and find peace in His grace. In moments of stress, we can breathe—breathe in His grace and breathe out our worries.

God’s Grace Is Sufficient

Anxiety and worry often stem from our desire to control everything. But God reminds us that His grace is sufficient for us, even when we feel overwhelmed. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

This verse reminds us that we don’t have to be strong enough or have it all figured out. Instead, we can rely on God’s strength. When the demands of the holidays feel too heavy, His grace is there to carry us.

Releasing Our Worries

One of the most comforting promises in Scripture is found in 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” This verse assures us we don’t need to hold on to our worries. Instead, we can surrender them to God, trusting that He is in control and that He cares deeply for us.

Releasing anxiety doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities, but it does mean approaching them with a heart anchored in God’s peace rather than fear.

The Practice of Breathing Grace

Here’s a simple exercise to help you breathe in God’s grace and breathe out your worries during the holidays:

1. Pause and Pray – When anxiety creeps in, take a moment to pause and pray. Acknowledge your worries before God and ask for His peace.

2. Breathe Deeply – With each inhale, picture God’s grace filling your lungs. With each exhale, imagine releasing your worries into His hands.

3. Reflect on His Word – Repeat a verse like 1 Peter 5:7 or Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything... And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

4. Give Thanks – Gratitude shifts our focus from our worries to God’s blessings. Reflect on what you’re thankful for this season.

Letting Grace Guide Your Season

The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. And the most important connection we can nurture is our relationship with God. By breathing in His grace and releasing our worries, we can approach the season with a calm heart and a clear focus on what truly matters.

Reflection Question

What is one worry you can release to God today so you can experience His grace and peace?

A Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for Your grace, which is always enough for me. Help me let go of the worries and anxieties that weigh me down. Teach me to pause, breathe, and trust in Your care. Remind me that this season is about Your love and not my perfection. Fill my heart with peace and guide me to focus on what truly matters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This holiday season, don’t let anxiety steal your joy. Breathe deeply, trust fully, and remember that God’s grace is sufficient for every moment. Let Him carry your burdens so you can experience the true peace of the season.