📧 In today’s email..

• 🙏 The Devotional of the day

• 📕 Today’s reading and Bible plan

🙏 TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL: How to Find Peace in the Storm

Opening Scripture:
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." — Isaiah 26:3

The Day I Almost Quit

A few years ago, I hit a breaking point.
The pressure of ministry deadlines, unexpected bills, and personal battles all seemed to arrive at once. I remember sitting in my car outside the grocery store, gripping the steering wheel and staring at the dashboard. My chest felt heavy, my thoughts were racing, and my prayer was barely a whisper:

"God, I can’t do this anymore."

It felt like everything in my life was on the verge of collapse.

And then, out of nowhere, a Bible story came to mind, Mark 4, where Jesus was asleep in the boat while His disciples fought for their lives in a raging storm. They were panicking. He was at peace.

That picture was like a lifeline in my mind. I sensed God saying: "If I can rest in the storm, you can trust Me in yours."

The storm outside didn’t instantly stop that day. But the storm inside me began to quiet. And I learned something I will never forget: Peace is not the absence of the storm, it’s the presence of Jesus in it.

Why Being Overwhelmed Hits So Hard

When we’re overwhelmed, our minds naturally spiral. We replay every possible worst-case scenario, lose sleep, and feel powerless.

The enemy loves this state of mind because it makes us believe two lies:

1. We’re all alone.

2. We have to fix everything ourselves.

But the Bible cuts through both lies.

In John 16:33, Jesus said:

Trouble is promised. Peace is offered. The difference comes down to who we trust when the waves get high.

3 Biblical Ways to Find Peace When You’re Overwhelmed

1. Speak Peace Over Your Life

When the storm threatened to sink their boat, Jesus stood and said, "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39). The wind and waves obeyed instantly.

Sometimes, you need to speak those same words, not just to your situation, but to your soul. I’ve had days where I literally whispered it under my breath in the middle of a chaotic day: "Peace, be still." Over time, my spirit began to believe it before my circumstances caught up.

2. Look at Jesus, Not the Waves

Peter could walk on water… until he looked at the waves (Matthew 14:30). Fear will always grow when you focus on the size of the storm instead of the power of the One who calms it.

For me, that means taking deliberate breaks in the middle of stress, closing my laptop, turning off my phone, and opening my Bible to Psalms. I have to remind myself: My eyes are on You, not the problem.

3. Trade Your Burden for His Rest

Jesus doesn’t just want to give you tips for managing stress. He offers something deeper: Himself.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

That day outside the grocery store, I realized I had been carrying the full weight of my storm as if it all depended on me. When I finally prayed, "God, I’m giving this to You," it didn’t erase the problems, but it took the crushing weight off my shoulders.

Bible Verses for When You Feel Overwhelmed

Here are a few I’ve returned to over and over:

• Psalm 61:2 — "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

• Philippians 4:6-7 — "Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

• John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you."

• 2 Thessalonians 3:16 — "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."

Encouragement for Your Storm

You might not be able to stop the storm you’re in today. The bills may still be due. The diagnosis may still be there. The deadlines may still loom.

But you are not powerless, and you are not alone. The same Jesus who spoke to the wind still speaks to hearts today. He’s with you in this storm, and His peace is stronger than the waves that threaten to take you under.

Your circumstances might not change instantly, but the presence of God can change you instantly. And when you change, the way you face the storm changes too.

Prayer:
Lord, You see the storm around me—and the storm within me. I choose to trust You today. Calm my anxious heart. Speak peace over my mind. Help me rest in Your presence, even if the waves keep coming. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Which area of my life feels the most overwhelming right now?

• How can I practically shift my focus to Jesus instead of my problems?

• What specific burden can I release to Him today?

📕 TODAY’S READING

Isaiah 26

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