Alicia Searl

As a girl who is prone to anxiety and battles bouts of depression, I understand and can sympathize when the stress rises and turns into a full-blown panic attack. It can be alarming and scary when you begin to feel that inner heat flood from your racing heart, producing sweaty palms, trembling limbs, and a tightness in your chest, making it hard to catch your breath.

The last time I had a panic attack, I was forced to ride an elevator in order to visit my uncle in the hospital. The stairs were locked for the staff and workers that day, so I had no other choice but to take an elevator up to the fifth floor. Yet, before I even stepped into that enclosed box, that all too familiar wave of heat washed over me, and I immediately started hyperventilating. Claustrophobia has always struck my fear hormone, kicking my panic mode into hyperdrive.

Unfortunately, that takes shape not only in the form of being physically restricted to tight spaces and feeling utterly trapped, but also when I feel bound and suffocated by my own emotional state. This happened shortly after my mom passed, and I was home alone watching one of her favorite movies. I thought by doing this, it would bring back fond memories and therefore promote peace. But, in fact, because my emotions were still so raw, it caused the grief I carried to spin out of control as I choked back tears and found it difficult to breathe.  

If you or someone you dearly love is prone to panic attacks, let me first share how sorry I am that you struggle with this too, as I know how debilitating and lonely this journey can be. However, over time, I have sought support and have learned how to recognize the situations and emotions that generally trigger that panic button, so I can try to prevent a full-blown attack. Intentional and deep breathing, getting outside to soak in some sunshine, or just calling a friend have been very helpful.

However, the most beneficial way to calm my heart, ease the worry, and restore a sense of peace has been reading Scripture and praying aloud. Next time you know you will be in a situation that could stir up worry or panic strikes without warning, lean into these Scriptures and prayers. Print them out and have them on hand. Then in times of need, read them quietly in your mind, speak them out loud, and etch them on the fabric of your heart, allowing God to cover you and reclaim a sense of peace so your mind, body, and soul can relax and rest in His care.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/arkira

I can still remember watching a show with our entire family that seemed innocent enough, only to come upon a scene that made me blush with embarrassment. Of course, I couldn’t find the remote and clumsily ran up to the TV to turn it off, while tripping on my youngest daughter’s popcorn bowl and practically falling into the whole entertainment center. It was seriously a comedy of errors. Thankfully, my oldest daughter found the remote and fumbled to turn it off so my eight-year-old didn’t have to witness a very worldly view of love with glaringly disturbing images. 

Unfortunately, we can’t altogether hide or shelter our children from the evils of this world. That’s because we live in a broken and messy world, riddled with the harsh reality of our corroded hearts and the never-ceasing bend to the ways of our flesh. 

In other words, we can’t stop a sinking ship that is going down due to poor choices. However, we can reach for a life raft, throw down an anchor, and put on the life jacket to chart ahead and preserve. And yes, in this analogy, that life raft, anchor, and jacket is Jesus.

All that to say, our choices matter – a lot! 

The truth is we can’t abide in Jesus and entertain the ways of the world at the same time. We must choose a side. In other words, we can’t flirt with sin and expect to live a life that glorifies God; it simply isn’t possible.

So, let’s get a little real and honest with ourselves here. I invite you to call out the things that may be seeping into your life, pulling you away from the abundant life that Jesus offers us (John 14:6). Choose what is honorable, noble, just, and good (Philippians 4:8). And strive to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord (Micah 6:8).

Below are five common ways sin can easily sneak into your life, but take heart, because we will also reveal the truth that can set us free!

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Olivier Verriest

There are quite a few misconceptions regarding the nature of hypocrisy, especially in Christian circles.

Life can feel overwhelming, noisy, and nonstop. Between work, family, responsibilities, church commitments, volunteering, giving, serving, and trying to be there for everyone else, it’s easy to feel spiritually exhausted. We want to keep pouring into others, but eventually, we realize the truth: we can’t pour from an empty cup.

Battle Burnout with the Bible: A Faith-Filled Resource for Spiritual Fatigue is designed to help you slow down, breathe, and reconnect with God when your soul feels tired. This resource reminds you that burnout is not a sign of weak faith. Even faithful people in Scripture experienced exhaustion and moments where they felt like giving up.

Inside this PDF, you’ll discover biblical encouragement for embracing God’s call when burnout hits, lessons from Bible characters who struggled with weariness, and practical ways to stay spiritually fed when you feel emotionally empty. You’ll also find a Bible reading plan for seasons of spiritual tiredness, reflection questions to help you process what’s really going on in your heart, and a simple 5-day prayer journal for the days when you feel too worn out to even know what to say to God.

This resource is here to help you rest without guilt, pray without pressure, and remember that God meets you with grace in your exhaustion. Whether you’re burned out from serving, overwhelmed by life, or simply feeling spiritually dry, these pages will guide you back to the One who restores your soul.

⬇️ Download this PDF today and bookmark it for the days when burnout hits because at some point, it happens to all of us, and we all need a faithful reminder that God’s strength is still available when ours runs out.

Go to Jesus First. Pray before you sleep. Live for J.O.Y. – Jesus. Others. Yourself.

These are the outward thoughts of my nine-year-old, who was just caught peeking over my shoulder, reading the title, and quickly suggesting positive affirmations to help you sleep. While that sounds sweet and all, I am currently going on very little sleep myself as she was at my bedside at 2 am this morning with a severe stomachache, therefore causing my own tummy to feel queasy. Yet, when I took out my laptop this afternoon to write, she immediately perked up, had this twinkle in her eye and eagerly said, “I love affirmations! Mom, can I help you write today?” I mean, how could I refuse?

So, there you have it my friends. A few affirmations from a lovely little lady that recently accepted Jesus into her heart. Oh, and yes, she is obviously feeling a bit better, thankfully. However, her sweet little response just got me to thinking about the sheer innocence of a child. If only we could all make our faith so simple and live it out in a way that exudes the utter joy we gain from purely following Him. Maybe this is why Jesus commands us to have faith like a child (Matthew 18:3)?

Okay, so maybe you are thinking…How does this help me sleep? Well, as you try to drift off into serene slumber, only to find yourself tossing and turning, I invite you to recall a time in your life when faith came effortlessly. Mediate on that moment for a bit. Were you a child or a young adult? Maybe you are walking in that simple faith right now. The truth is wherever you may be on your faith journey, Jesus is ready to meet you where you are and remind you of His unwavering love.

When we hold this kind of childlike heart that allows us to welcome God’s presence, we can slip into a dreamlike state in blissful peace. And I can sense you are in need of that. Yep, me too! So, will you join me in embracing the simplicity of your faith this evening as you grab hold of the “affirmations” above and recite a few beautiful truths that come straight out of Scripture. Then, let these words ease your heart, saturate your mind, and calm your soul as you drift off to sleep.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Biserka Stojanovic

Marriage is a beautiful gift and precious blessing that provides us with an endearing and unique type of love, bonding us together as one, but it doesn’t even come close to the unconditional and unfailing love that our God offers us!

Friends, the deceiver is still deceiving! But God is still God, and His very nature exudes love, grace, and mercy. So, when one of those students asked if God forgives sex before marriage, my initial response was a wholehearted, "Yes, of course, He does!" However, I know that there are many layers to this question, and it comes with a heart that may be seeking permission to fall into lust (if there will be forgiveness) or repentance due to guilt that is weighing heavy.

Life can feel overwhelming, noisy, and nonstop. Between work, family, responsibilities, church commitments, volunteering, giving, serving, and trying to be there for everyone else, it’s easy to feel spiritually exhausted. We want to keep pouring into others, but eventually, we realize the truth: we can’t pour from an empty cup.

Battle Burnout with the Bible: A Faith-Filled Resource for Spiritual Fatigue is designed to help you slow down, breathe, and reconnect with God when your soul feels tired. This resource reminds you that burnout is not a sign of weak faith. Even faithful people in Scripture experienced exhaustion and moments where they felt like giving up.

Inside this PDF, you’ll discover biblical encouragement for embracing God’s call when burnout hits, lessons from Bible characters who struggled with weariness, and practical ways to stay spiritually fed when you feel emotionally empty. You’ll also find a Bible reading plan for seasons of spiritual tiredness, reflection questions to help you process what’s really going on in your heart, and a simple 5-day prayer journal for the days when you feel too worn out to even know what to say to God.

This resource is here to help you rest without guilt, pray without pressure, and remember that God meets you with grace in your exhaustion. Whether you’re burned out from serving, overwhelmed by life, or simply feeling spiritually dry, these pages will guide you back to the One who restores your soul.

⬇️ Download this PDF today and bookmark it for the days when burnout hits because at some point, it happens to all of us, and we all need a faithful reminder that God’s strength is still available when ours runs out.

Marriage is a joy and a blessing, but it won't always be easy. When tensions and anger take hold, when trust is broken, when it feels like God is silent - cling to these verses. 

Navigate the complexities of end-time prophecies with confidence by delving into foundational scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. Discover enduring hope and divine clarity amidst global uncertainty as you explore God's purposeful plan and ultimate victory.

Feeling spiritually drained doesn’t mean God is distant. These passages from Psalms, Romans, Hebrews, Proverbs, and the Gospels will renew your strength in Christ.

God knew we would ponder on this life and ask about our purpose. This is why He gives us answers about the meaning of life in His Word.

So, are you ready to learn a little about heaven and what God’s Word says about this precious place? Then go ahead and snag your Bible and maybe a few translations, and let’s discover the place where we will spend eternity.

As Valentine’s Day quickly closes in and we scurry around searching for ways to make everyone feel special and loved, let’s be mindful of those sweet friendships in our lives that are such a blessing to us.