This time last year, panic over holiday planning took control like a boss micromanaging my every move.

I thought I’d learned to give it all to God. I thought I’d done a good job of living in the moment instead of striving for perfection, especially through the holidays. But it was December already, and somehow all the uncertainty of the past year caused my struggle with control to resurface.

It started innocently enough, right after Thanksgiving. Digging out Christmas decorations, deciding on the Christmas Day dinner menu, and more, adding to my growing to-do list.

But as I studied the calendar and thought about the days ahead, things just weren’t adding up to the perfect Christmas celebration I envisioned.

Maintaining Joy in a Busy Season

The days flew by, and I still had no idea how many people would be coming over. I couldn’t settle on a menu that seemed right for the different dietary needs of our guests.

Would everyone show up at the same time? Or would everyone come-and-go according to their own schedules? Do I need to plan activities?

With each passing day, anxiety grew.

Soon I began spiraling into a dangerous place of creating too many expectations—a place I’d been before. I felt my physical body begin to weaken. In all the planning, I’d forgotten to take care of myself like I should. I feared I wouldn’t even be able to enjoy the blessings of the day.

Was there any way to salvage the season?

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

The joy of the Lord is my strength. We love that quote from Nehemiah 8:10, don’t we? It’s one I turn to often for encouragement on days when joy seems out of reach! But as I look at this Scripture again, I sense its truth speaking to me in a new way.

These words read aloud by Ezra the priest not only held special meaning for the Israelites returning from exile, they also hold significance for whatever season we are in right now.

Discovering Joy When We Feel Overwhelmed

The wall around Jerusalem had been rebuilt. God’s people returned. So much still needed to be done. In fact, most of them had no homes to live in. Yet Ezra made it known, this was no time to grieve. This was their time to celebrate. And in verse 17, we discover that they listened and obeyed God’s command to enjoy themselves.

“From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.” Nehemiah 8:17

I’ve always struggled with just sitting back, taking a deep breath, and enjoying myself. Resting and being present in the moment doesn’t come easy to us go-getter types. There’s just so much to do! Thankfully we have truth from God’s Word to help us press pause when we try to control every detail.

How to Let the Joy of the Lord Be Our Strength

So, how do I stop that overbearing boss called ‘control’ from taking over? How do I live like the joy of the Lord is my strength? By refusing to let the possibility of unmet expectations steal my joy.

One reason I’ve discovered for this tug-of-war with control is that deep inside, we want everything to turn out okay.

But God always has an abundance of good things in store for us, if we will let Him be our daily joy and strength. And when we take the pressure off of ourselves to put together the perfect holiday, God will show up in miraculous ways.

I will always remember last Christmas as a day of unexpected blessings and joy beyond what I could’ve hoped for. In true God-character, He showed me the beauty He can create when I allow Him to be in charge. Family and friends gathered in our home for laughter, conversation, and connection. We simply had fun, and I couldn’t have planned it any better myself.

Friend, if thoughts of Christmas gatherings and activities are threatening your joy this year, take heart, then take a step back, and pause. God can do infinitely more when we allow him to take the lead.

In order to live like the joy of the Lord is our strength, let’s start with this prayer.

Dear Lord, I choose to simply enjoy Christmas this year. I will let your joy be my strength. I refuse to worry over plans or what could go wrong. I let go of expectations based on my own ability. Instead I will give control back to you and watch your miracles unfold. Amen.

Looking for a gift idea for that friend or family member who loves to read? Give the gift of hope and renewed faith this year.

Find out more about my latest book, Refilled (including links to purchase), by clicking the image below.

Cancer treatment. It’s more than a series of events that wreak havoc on the body. It’s a season that also affects the mind, spirit, and emotions. Whether chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, or a host of other things—finding an activity to calm the heart during treatments is vital to a survivor’s wellbeing.

I’ve been through two battles with cancer, and with my recent diagnosis, reading became the hobby I needed. It helped fill the hours I spent in bed, gave me focus for my wandering mind, and uplifted me in those many quiet moments throughout the long days.

Pictures of books read during cancer treatment

Some readers prefer e-books, while others enjoy holding a paper book in hand. I love reading on Kindle, but on my most difficult days, looking at the screen caused pain. So I always kept a couple of print books handy, too. (An Amazon gift card for books, print or digital, would make a great gift for a friend in the hospital.)

How Reading Helped Me as a Cancer Patient

There’s no way to predict how we’re going to feel while enduring treatments. Doctors can try to prepare us, but every person is unique. I may receive the same treatment as someone else, but my body may react in a completely different way. There are endless unknowns, which is why the majority of the books I choose have an element of faith to them.

I’ve found faith-based books bring comfort, peace, and encouragement to the weary soul suffering through cancer.

This year has been a long and painful season for me, but I am now on the other side of treatments and recovering well. I read a total of 25 books, mostly during extended hospital stays when I wanted to keep my mind focused on good things while keeping anxiety at bay.

I’ve listed 10 of those books here, along with links for each one. Some of these books are specifically for cancer survivors, others are not. But all have one thing in common: they gave me something I needed, like entertainment, encouragement, confidence, or hope.

If you or someone you know is going through treatments for cancer or other chronic illness, consider sharing this list with them. It may have a suggestion that will bring a smile on a difficult day.

Surrendering Certainty: Hearing God Today by Letting Go of Tomorrow

This inspiring nonfiction Christian living book by Abby McDonald tackles a tough question we all have when staring down an uncertain future. How do I recognize God’s voice?

I struggle with releasing my grip on my circumstances and trusting the outcome to God, especially when decisions must be made and I’m desperate to hear from him. Abby has a real and honest way about her writing that I love—a blend of personal experiences and in-depth biblical truth.

I had the opportunity to read an early copy, and it’s a book I keep on hand to refer back to often.

Carried Through Cancer: 70 Days of Spiritual Strength from Cancer Fighters, Survivors, and Caregivers

This nonfiction collection of stories of cancer survivors and caregivers found me at just the right time. I connected with the author, Kim Harms, who is also a two time cancer survivor. Kim has a powerful way of telling the hope-filled stories of other cancer patients who’ve held on to their faith through the most difficult times.

I read one story each day, taking time to reflect on each one. Reading about others’ experiences helped me to not feel so alone in my suffering. Sometimes what we need in the midst of a cancer battle is to know there is someone else who understands what we’re going through. Kim’s book does just that.

Where Love Grows

One of my favorite genres is inspirational fiction. This Christian love story by Heidi Chiavaroli caught my eye, mainly because of the wheelchair pictured on the cover. At that exact time, I was learning how to use a new wheelchair and navigating the challenges this season of life would bring. I knew I discovered Chiavaroli’s book at the perfect time.

The author did a great job of bringing out the inner struggle of living with a disability through her complex and relatable main character. A heartwarming theme of overcoming obstacles, community, and faith, with a little romance for good measure.

(This is Book 3 in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, even without reading the preceding books.)

Empowered for Purpose: Winning Your Daily Spiritual Battles

This Scripture-packed nonfiction spiritual growth book by Linda Evans Shepherd reminds us who we are as children of God and how to live victoriously with the weapons God gives us.

Linda Evans Shepherd is a prayer warrior who has written numerous books that encourage readers to find renewed purpose and hope through the power of prayer. One thing I needed most as a cancer patient was a reminder to daily put on the Full Armor of God to protect myself against spiritual attack. As I read each chapter, I felt encouraged with the truth that God is indeed on my side.

The Overcomer: God’s Answers to Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges

This Christian spiritual growth book was different in style from my usual reading, but sometimes we need a little variety for long, monotonous days! I gained so much from his wisdom and relatable teaching style.

Pictures of books I read during cancer treatment. — Pin for later!

Author James Collins’ book made me feel like I was sitting in church listening to a wise preacher skillfully weave Scripture with humorous stories to drive each important point home. A great read if you’re seeking biblical help for the mountains in your life.

The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms

One thing many people don’t realize about cancer treatment is that chronic pain is often a side-effect survivors must deal with. More than once, I’ve heard the advice, “At least you can be thankful the cancer is gone.” But the lingering pain after cancer can cause grief, discouragement, and more. Dr. Michelle Bengtson addresses the difficult realities of chronic pain with wisdom, understanding, and grace.

The story of the woman with the issue of blood touches my heart in a real and personal way. This video clip from The Chosen series gets me every time.

Dr. Bengtson’s book is a must-read for anyone dealing with chronic pain.

The Secret Keeper

Full disclosure, The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton is the only book on my list that is not in the Christian category. However, I can appreciate a clean fiction book, where the author’s storytelling ability keeps me riveted until the very end.

There were times in my grueling cancer journey when all I wanted was a distraction. If a book didn’t hold my attention, my mind was prone to wander back to a harsh, unrelenting reality. This book was gifted to me and proved to be a welcome getaway for my overworked mind. (Note: Some more mature themes are addressed.)

One-Minute Prayers for Women with Cancer

This pocket-sized hardcover devotional and prayer book makes a great gift. A friend sent it to me early in my cancer journey, and I was able to slip it in my purse or bag easily and carry it with me. The author, Nikki Hardy, is also a cancer survivor.

The Reunion

Cancer battles can be all-consuming. One minute, it’s life as usual, then suddenly every detail of your life revolves around this diagnosis. It’s easy to get so focused on your own struggle that you don’t see what others are going through. Reading about overcoming obstacles totally unrelated to cancer gave me a perspective shift. It helped me stay outwardly aware of the needs of others.

Even though The Reunion is a fictional story, I appreciated the faith element, as well as the realistic look at what life can be like for veterans and their families. It gave me a new appreciation for the selflessness of our servicemen and women.

Refilled: Finding Fullness in God When Life Leaves You Empty

I never thought I’d be reading my own book while enduring cancer, but God knew I would need help restoring my faith during a most trying time.

My latest book had not yet been released when I heard that dreaded “c” word. So I postponed its release to focus on treatment. For a year, my life became about surviving. So, one day in the hospital, I decided to pull up my manuscript files and begin reading. I cried through almost every chapter. It’s amazing how God inspired me to write the very words I would eventually need to read. He is faithful.

If you’ve been living with a void in your heart and wanting to feel whole again, Refilled may be your best next read, too.

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