The holidays often trigger our deepest anxieties and defense mechanisms, but Jesus offers a different way. In Matthew 11:28-30, He invites us to find rest for our souls. The Bible encourages internal emotional work, showing us how to examine our hearts and invite God into our struggles. We all have protectors (like perfectionism and people-pleasing), exiles (wounded parts carrying shame), and firefighters (quick pain relief behaviors). God wants to replace our human-sized protectors with His perfect love and control. By noticing our reactivity, naming what's happening, and inviting God in, we can experience true peace during stressful times.
