Encouragement For The One Who's Stressed Out
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. - Deuteronomy 31:8
Later tonight, I have a phone call scheduled with my best friend, Melanie. (Yes we schedule our phone calls. They normally last 2-3 hours so it’s worth blocking out the calendar. Don’t judge us.) This is a phone call I’ve been looking forward to for a week now, especially since the last few days have been pretty stress-filled.
After I finished eating breakfast this morning, I texted Mel and said, “I’m really excited for tonight! I’ve been so stressed and overwhelmed the past few days, so much so that I broke down crying last night, so I’m looking forward to just focusing on talking to you and catching up. I literally woke up this morning and thought ‘gosh I’m so glad I get to talk to Mel today.’”
A few minutes later, Melanie responded and said that it sounds like we’ve had a very similar few days. When she told me that, it occurred to me that there’s a very good chance that at least a few of the people who will read this devotion today are also feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. So why not extend a little encouragement to us all, myself included?
There is nothing that will calm me down more when I’m stressed than meditating on God’s Word. Whether I write out verses in my journal or speak them out loud to myself, spending time focusing on Scripture is the only thing that gives me any peace. So, with that in mind, I wanted to give you a list of verses you could meditate on if you’re feeling stressed out, tired, anxious, worried, or overwhelmed.
May the Lord encourage your heart, grant rest for your soul, and give you peace that surpasses all understanding as you turn your eyes, mind, and heart to Him.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! - 1 Chronicles 16:11
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. - Deuteronomy 31:8
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. - Psalm 34:4-5
You keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. - Isaiah 26:3
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” - Lamentations 3:22-24
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. - Matthew 6:34
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. - Philippians 4:19-20
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7
Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. - Psalm 28:7