Finding Peace Amid Holiday Chaos

There was a time in our not so distant past when the world came to an abrupt slow down. It was for reasons I would not like to repeat, but the reduced activity and busyness was a welcome relief to the rat race. I know everyone did not experience this; my daughter was working one of the busiest ICUs in the country. For her, the rest came after the storm. 

However, a good lesson was learned. In the midst of the pandemic, many experienced the benefit of slowing down. It was kind of a forced lesson, but a good one. But how many of us retained that invaluable life lesson? (If you were to drive on the Southern California freeways, you would answer a resounding NO ONE!)

Next week, we enter one of the busiest seasons of the year, what we like to call the holiday season. In many countries, taking a holiday means slowing down, going away, having a quiet respite to a busy work life, not doing all the normal work-a-day ‘stuff.’

Not so in the US. Holidays mean crowded stores with crazy shoppers pushing their way in front of one another, grabbing the last Furbbie (or whatever toy is in vogue) out of the hand of a fellow treasure hunter. 

It does not have to be that way. But we are a headstrong people. Israel was like that too. 

This is what the Sovereign Lord,
    the Holy One of Israel, says:
“Only in returning to me
    and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
    But you would have none of it.

Isaiah 30:15

Like us, the Children of Israel were given the opportunity to rest, but they refused. They thought they knew better. They thought going back to Egypt would solve their problems. They had a God who lovingly rescued them, protected them, and provided for them. Yet, they considered going back to Egypt where they were enslaved, beaten, and quite literally worked to death. They thought that is where their security existed. 

As a society, we had a chance to slow down, quiet our busy minds, and reflect on God’s goodness. It was like God looked down and whispered, “Be Still!” That stillness lasted for a while. But as we approach another holiday season, I feel like I am watching racehorses ready to conquer the Kentucky Derby.

We need to slow our over-active lives down. Appreciate God’s rescue of a fallen world. Recognize the protection He offers through faith. Be grateful that “All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.” Then, stop… or at least slow down. 

Slow to a point where we can return to Him, and rest in Him.

Friends, I don’t want to go back to Egypt. I want to forget what is behind me and keep my eyes on the finish line, not just the end of the year, but the finish line where my Creator is waiting for me. 

Here are a few ways to help you keep from giving into the busyness of the season:

How can you take time to be still in the chaos of this time of year?

So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt – Keith Green 1980

To The One to Whom I Should be Grateful, Please forgive me for being too busy to stop and acknowledge You. Please help me to recognize when I need to stop and rest, and help that rest to be in you, not in what the world offers. Please guide me through this time and keep my eyes on you, my creator and provider. In Your Precious Name, Amen