Now that the holiday season has come to a close, it can be easy to start feeling down or even bored about things. After all, the pretty twinkling decorations have been packed up back into the attic, the events with our loved ones are over, and we have stopped counting down the days until Christmas. Most of us do feel some sadness after the holiday season is over because the holidays bring so much joy into our hearts. Christmas brings us back to the Lord, giving us time to reconnect with Him, worship Him, and reflect on what truly matters in our lives.
Once January rolls back in, we can start to feel weighed down by the weight of it all. We have to get back to work; nobody is as lovely to us as they were during the holiday season, and it feels as though the days keep getting darker and darker. Whenever we start feeling this way, we need to try to seek out joy in our daily lives. While the holiday season may be over, it doesn't mean our happiness has to end as well.
Instead, we can continue to cultivate a spirit of joy throughout the year. God doesn't want our happiness to be eradicated the day after Christmas. Instead, He wants to experience His joy all year round. By turning to Him and finding joy in Him, life can look like a mini-celebration every day. Each day is a gift from the Lord, and we should rejoice in it (Psalm 118:24).
Weeding Out Doom & Gloom
As someone who struggles with depression, I usually don't have the best perspective on life. I'll be the first to admit that I typically see everything in a very negative light. Therefore, when the Christmas season is over, all I see is the new year being one of doom and gloom. Since I have faced many years in the past playing out in precisely this way, I often struggle to stay positive when a new year rolls around. Some people feel overly optimistic about the new year, whereas others are excessively pessimistic.
If you are someone who falls in the latter camp, know that we are in the same boat. Although it will take more work on our behalf, we can still work towards maintaining joy in our hearts after the holiday season is over. We can do this by finding joy in the ordinary. This means actively seeking out the first signs of Spring, such as the blossoming of a flower or the first blooms of a vine. Any of these things can remind us of the warmer months to come.
In the same way, we can find joy in the simple pleasure of getting a hot coffee or a warm chocolate with a dear friend. The atmosphere of the coffee shop and the company of a long-time friend can truly bring joy into our hearts. We must strive to do these types of joyful things more often to maintain joy in our hearts throughout the year. It will take a lot of work; however, it will be rewarding.
Making Friends with Joy
Sadly, it is especially common within the Christian community to downplay the importance of joy. Individuals believe that it is okay to have joy in the Lord, but not joy in life. At these moments, we have to remember that joy comes from God and is synonymous with happiness. Happiness and joy are essentially the same thing, regardless of what the church culture would like us to believe. God indeed wants us to be happy, as He has given us an abundant life (John 10:10).
With this abundant life, we can have joy and happiness every day. God didn't send His Son into the world to die for us, for us to be miserable. Rather than believing the lies of the church culture around you, find joy in knowing that God does want you to be happy. In truth, joy or happiness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This means that the Holy Spirit will help us to cultivate happiness in our lives.
Even though it is past the holiday season, we can allow God to help us cultivate a friendship with joy. We don't have to be dreary or downcast now that the holiday season is over. Instead, we can allow the joy of the ordinary to give us motivation to keep going. We truly never know what a day could bring. This upcoming year could be the year that you meet the love of your life, land your dream job, or go on a mission trip that changes your life. Allow God to have control over this year and accept the joy that He is abundantly giving you in this life (James 1:17).
Looking Forward to the Year to Come Rather than Dreading It
Similar to many people, I have had years that I have dreaded. The last year was so bad that I didn't want to face another year. If you are feeling this way, try to view the New Year in a new light. Accept the truth that Jesus is with you as you are walking into this New Year, and He will never leave your side (Matthew 28:20b). Throughout all time, Jesus will be with you, and He will be your strength (Psalm 28:7).
There might still be some pretty tough times at points, but trust in the Lord and know that He has excellent plans for you this year (Jeremiah 29:11). Try to make a list of all of the good things that could happen this year and maintain focusing on this list. Pray to the Lord to help you have a good year, to focus on Him, and to bring you closer to Him. Actively try to fight the worrisome thoughts in your head that this year won't be good. Stay neutral to the new year and know that it could be the most beautiful year yet.
God can do greater things than we could ever imagine. We know this because Paul tells us, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Reflect on this passage of Scripture when your heart feels heavy. Rest in the assurance that God has great plans for your life, and that includes this upcoming year.
God is our good, good Father, who only desires to bring us peace, love, and joy. He doesn't want us to experience the worst-case scenarios or eternal pain. We need to get to know the Lord better this year to help us understand His goodness, kindness, and love. Once we know Him better, we won't feel as worried about the year to come or the end of the holiday season. Instead, we will continue to hold on to the joy that is in our hearts, which is only there because of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Olga Peshkova
