Have you ever wondered if God is still disappointed in you? Psalm 85 reminds us that His mercy restores what we could never fix on our own. This devotional invites you to rest in His forgiveness and reflect that same grace to others.

Stress can be a good thing if it motivates us to get things done and to face the realities of our life. But stress can also hurt us when it builds up without resolution, when there seems to be no relief from the internal and external pressures of life.

Stress is to peace what darkness is to light, but we can find the greatest peace amid the most intense periods of our lives. In fact, we can only recognize a depth of rest in Christ – his shalom – when we know what stress feels like. God can restore our peace with his steadfast presence and the truth of his Word.

Here are seven verses and prayers to read when you feel stressed.

1. Not In the Earthquake

“And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-12).

Father,

It feels like earthquakes and strong winds are exploding all around me. My world is not safe. When will the stressors let up? I just want to run away. But you, Lord, have called me to stand still and wait and listen. I need your patience and strength, Father; help me to stand still and switch off the racing thoughts in my head so I can hear you whisper to me with your gentle, Fatherly voice.

Let me hear that I am not condemned by you; stress is not some form of punishment. Right now, the other voices – of rejection, criticism, anger, pressure – are so loud. If you are humbling me, please let it be so that I can curl up, small and meek under the cacophony, to hear your low, authoritative voice coming to find me.

Amen.

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