Stop freaking out. It’s going to be okay. 

I am standing in the kitchen at the sink gripping the counter in hopes of steadying my heart. I’m giving myself a pep talk.

Everything will work out. Don’t worry.

My stomach starts making noises like an active volcano. Suddenly, I have the urge to run to the bathroom.

Five minutes later and five pounds lighter, I am standing at the bathroom mirror holding on to the counter.

Why am I such a mess? Stop thinking crazy thoughts, girl.

God is bigger than even this.

He is stronger.

He is wiser.

He is faithful even in the midst of this frenzy.

I need to remind myself what I know is true — because the enemy is whispering lies to me.

The enemy wants me to believe my situation is hopeless.

The accuser says I can’t and God won’t.

But, I know better.

I know God is bigger.

I just need to remind myself.

And so I stop clutching the bathroom counter, and I step toward the nightstand. I plop down on the bed and pick up the well-worn Bible sitting right where I left it.

I open up the pages and start reading the Promises.

I need more than a pep talk. I just need a person — and His name is Jesus.

When your world is spinning out of control, you must stop and speak His name.

Friend, I don’t know where you are standing today. Maybe you are holding on for dear life and wondering when the scary rollercoaster ride of ups and downs is going to stop. If you’ve stood at the bathroom mirror trying to work up the courage to face the frenzy of your day, I want to encourage you.

Your God has not forgotten you.

Focus on Christ to find calm in the middle of any crazy situation.

4 Ways to Remain Calm in an out of Control World

Celebrate God’s goodness, choose a considerate disposition, and count your blessings

When the enemy is pestering you with negative thinking, the best remedy is to praise the One from whom all blessings flow. Realign your heart to remember He is faithful.

“Rejoice in the Lord always –delight, take pleasure in Him; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit–your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience — be known to all people. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4-5, AMP)

Ask God to fill you with faith, acknowledge He is God, and attack your worries by worshipping.

Your heart cannot be consumed by concern if you choose to call out to God in prayer. Tell Christ everything and keep an open line of communication. He can handle your worries.

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything — every circumstance and situation — by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your specific requests known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Loosen your grip on your life and let God lavish you with His peace.

God will fill you with His peace if you are willing to slow down and really stop trying to control your life. Just accept that you will never figure it all out, but God is faithful and knows the way. Focus on the God of Peace and pursue knowing Him, not the answers to your problems. Knowing Him personally and intimately is the best solution in every sticky situation.

“And the peace of God — that peace which reassures the heart, that peace — which transcends all understanding, that peace which stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus is yours. (Philippians 4:7)

Meditate on what is pure and practice what you preach.

Just say this whenever your mind starts spinning with crazy thoughts: “That is not true. I will not waste precious time rehearsing wrong thoughts. I choose life and peace. I will focus on God’s goodness and glory. I believe in Jesus who rose from the dead and can resurrect anything. His redemption is at work in my world.”

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things — center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things in daily life, and the God who is the source of peace and well-being will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

 

The world may be spinning, but you can set your mind on Christ and remain calm. Focusing on the Promises of God can help you plant your feet on solid ground and persevere through a crazy season.

Need a little inspiration?

I’ve created a one-page printable with 10 Scriptures to help you remember your God is bigger than bad days. Download a copy and read through these sweet promises every morning to help you remain calm when your world is spinning out of control. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

The promises of God will arm us with power to keep moving forward. We will find renewed strength as we surrender our spinning world’s to the One who created the every corner of the earth and controls every second of our day. Not one moment escapes God’s notice, and He will empower us to stay standing. Once we get a firm grip on His goodness and glory, we will walk with a surer step and start helping others find a firm place to stand in Christ. People will wonder how you can stay so calm in this crazy world, and you can tell them: I surrendered all to Jesus. My Savior upholds my life.

When your world is spinning, keep calm by crying out to Christ.

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WANT TO GO DEEPER? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU develop a plan to  Refuel with rest and soul care.

 

 

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Faith on Fire Spotlight:

Jennifer Dukes Lee

“It’s All Under Control is the gift your soul has been desperately seeking―to feel how His arms of love are under you, carrying you though it all.” ―Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way and The Greatest Gift

It’s time to get our control under control.

Jennifer Dukes Lee never thought she struggled with control. As long as everything went exactly the way she wanted it to, she was totally flexible.

But then Jennifer discovered what happens when you try to wrap your arms around everything, thinking it’s all on you: You get burned out on hustle. You toss and turn more at night, and you laugh less during the day. You’re so busy―caring, serving, working, and trying so hard―that you can’t even hear God’s voice anymore.

It’s All Under Control is a book for every woman who is hanging on tight and trying to get each day right―yet finding that life often feels out of control and chaotic. Join Jennifer on the journey of learning how to:

• Overcome the anxieties and worries that burden your heart
• Prioritize your busy life so you can make choices that align with God’s best for you
• Find freedom through a new “Do, Delegate, or Dismiss” approach to your daily tasks
• Let go of what God has not asked you to do, so you can shine at what he has

Discover a new way of living that will free you to be you, and finally experience the peace of knowing a God who truly has it all under control.

 

I write books. I embarrass my kids. I was once a mime. (True story). I attend a small country church where some Sundays you’ll find me spinning tunes as the church deejay.

I’m a big fan of dark chocolate, emojis, eighties music, bright lipstick, and Netflix binges. My husband and I are raising crops, pigs, a herd of cats, and two beautiful humans on the Lee family farm in Iowa.

My newest book, It’s All Under Control, releases in September. (There’s also a six-week companion Bible study.)

I wrote a couple other books: The Happiness Dare, and Love Idol.

I’m a journalist at heart. I used to cover crime, politics, and natural disasters as a news reporter for metropolitan daily newspapers. Now, I use my reporting skills to chase after the biggest story ever: the redemptive story of Christ. (That’s front-page news.)

I cling to the hope of a cross, and I’m passionate about sharing the Good News through story. I believe in miracles; I am one. I marvel at God’s unrelenting grace for stumbling sinners like me, who have been made whole through Christ. I believe in scandalous grace, and that the cross is the most priceless and costly gift the world has ever seen. I believe that it really is all because of Jesus.

 

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Giveaway

 

 

Y’all know I am a big book nerd. Other women buy shoes, but I buy books and Bible commentaries.

For everyone who asks me “what should I read next?” I now have a sweet list of my favorite reads for you to check out. Amazon created a space for social media influencers to share cv!

If you are looking for a good read to fire up your faith, then check out what’s on my nightstand here.

(Disclosure: Amazon will compensate me a little for anything you may purchase through this page. Thanks in advance if you do.)

I loved this sweet read from Jennifer Dukes Lee, and I had to share the love with you!!! I’m giving away one copy of It’s All Under Control this week. Leave a comment before Monday, October 22nd letting me know you shared this post on Facebook or Instagram to enter– and let me know what’s on your nightstand right now.

Note: You must live within the U.S. to enter today’s giveaway.

 

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Friends: As a social media influencer, I have a sweet list of my favorite resources to fuel a wildfire faith in my very own shop on Amazon.  (Note: I will get a little something back if you follow any of the links in this post and buy anything on this page. Thanks in advance if you do.).