If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, lonely, or any other worry feeling this holiday season, know that your feelings are valid. Friend, I hope these verses are encouraging and bring you out of this “funk” or anxiety and into the light that this season and Jesus brings.

James 1:2-4 (ESV)

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Luke 12:25-26 (ESV)

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?”

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be fear or be dismayed.”

Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV)

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed from anxiety or depression, especially around the holidays, let this also be your encouragement to talk to someone—whether that is a trusted adult and friend or a licensed professional counselor. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.