Reflecting on Calm Moments for Anxious Days and using tools from Tame Your Thoughts to reframe overwhelm and receive support.
🌿 My Gentle Reflection
Today’s devotional from Calm Moments for Anxious Days reminded me that God is near, not just when I feel peaceful, but especially when I feel overwhelmed.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Philippians 4:5
I’ve had days when the smallest task feels like too much. My thoughts spiral. My body tenses. I whisper, “I can’t do this,” and mean it. Chapter 9 of Tame Your Thoughts, titled “When You Feel Overwhelmed,” met me there. Max Lucado writes that overwhelm is not a sign of weakness; it’s a signal. A cue to pause, breathe, and remember that I am not meant to carry everything alone. God doesn’t wait for me to be calm before He comes close. He draws near in the middle of the mess. Even when my thoughts feel tangled, His presence remains steady.
That truth helped me shift, not because the situation changed, but because I remembered I wasn’t facing it alone. I don’t have to fix everything. I don’t have to be strong. I just have to call out. And when I do, God answers not with shame, but with nearness.
✨ My Scripture of Hope
“The Lord is near to all who call on him.”
Psalm 145:18
🕊️ My Anxious Thoughts to Release
That I’m alone in this. That no one understands. That I have to hold it all together.
🌸 God’s Promise to Me
He is near. He hears me. I am not alone.
🙏 My Prayer
Lord, thank You for being close when I feel far away. For drawing near when I’m overwhelmed. Help me feel Your presence in the quiet, in the chaos, and in the spaces in between. Amen
🧠 Gentle Tools for Taming My Thoughts
Inspired by Chapter 9 of Tame Your Thoughts, I used three mindset tools to respond to the same emotional moment. Each one helped me shift from panic to peace.
1. 🛡️ Practice Picky Thinking
Journal Entry:
This afternoon, I felt overwhelmed by a long to-do list. My mind whispered, “You’re on your own. No one’s coming to help.” I paused.
Is this true? No—God is near.
Is this kind? Not at all.
Is this from God? Not even close.
I replaced it with: “I’m supported. I’m not alone. Help is near.” That shift felt like a hand on my shoulder.
2. 👽 Identify UFOs
Journal Entry:
Same moment, same overwhelm.
- Untruth: I’m alone in this.
- False Narrative: I have to carry everything myself.
- Overreaction: I should cancel everything and isolate.
I named it a UFO and gently released it. I reminded myself, “God is near. I’m not abandoned. I can ask for help.” That shift felt like a breath of grace.
3. 🌱 Uproot and Replant
Journal Entry:
That moment stirred up an old belief: “I’m too much to support.” I paused and chose to uproot it.
Is this true? No—my needs are valid.
Is this kind? Definitely not.
Is this from God? Not even close.
I replanted truth: “I am worthy of care. I am not alone. God draws near to me.” That shift felt like permission to receive.
📘 Books That Helped Me Heal
- Calm Moments for Anxious Days – Amazon.ca
- Tame Your Thoughts – Amazon.ca
Learn more about Max Lucado’s heart and ministry here.
