I collapsed into bed, expecting to fall asleep in 15 seconds flat, but anxious thoughts kept me wakeful. I’d just seen a text reminding me of one more thing I needed to do. Now instead of drifting off to sleep, my mind raced to plan my already loaded schedule. The room was silent, but my thoughts were loud. How could I find inner quiet?
Anxious thoughts crowd peace out of our minds and hearts.
A busy schedule can put your mind in overdrive trying to plan how to get everything done. Trouble and disappointment can send your thoughts on a downward cycle of worry and fretting.
Three months ago, I started a full-time job I love, but learning new rhythms has brought increased stress to my life. How to care for my family, home, job, writing ministry, and my own soul at the same time?
I need a way to quiet the voices in my own head, so I can draw near to Jesus and hear His voice. Maybe you do too.
Let’s look together at God’s Word:
Remember the story of Elijah and the gentle whisper? Queen Jezebel wanted to kill him, so Elijah fled for his life. Exhausted after a 40-day journey, he hid in a cave when God spoke to him. The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” (1 Kings 19:11). When Elijah went out to wait for God’s presence, a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a blazing fire passed by, but the Lord was not in any of those.
At last came a gentle whisper.
Through that soft voice, the Lord spoke to Elijah and gave him the direction he needed for his next steps.
You’re probably not experiencing wind, earthquakes, or fires around you, but you might have them inside your head. It’s hard to hear God’s whisper when we’re fretting over things we can’t control or endlessly stressing over all we need to do.
I’m learning I need to quiet not only the noise of the world around me, but also the loud voice inside my own head.
Two things are helping me tame my anxious thoughts.
1. Instrumental Worship Music
During my commute to work, I usually listen to podcasts, but I realized they were just adding to the noise in my head. I started listening to instrumental worship music instead, and my stressful commute has changed into a lovely time to pray over my day and connect with God. As I pray over my worries, Jesus gives me a renewed sense of peace and calm.
2. Simpler Quiet Time
This may sound crazy, but my quiet time was turning into a marathon sprint to keep up with two different Bible studies. Instead of seeking to hear God’s voice, I was racing to fill in all the blanks!
So I let the Bible studies go.
I decided to go back to my simple “Word for the Day” quiet time, and it has been a life-giving change.
Now each morning, I read a short Bible passage and ask God to speak to me. I choose one verse from the passage to write out and one word to remember that day. Then I write out a simple one-sentence prayer. (You can learn more about simple quiet time ideas in my book, More of God.)
I start the day on a more settled note, trusting I’ve heard God speak to me.
Jesus calms anxious thoughts when we quiet ourselves and draw near to Him.
I’m learning to tame my anxious thoughts with a little quiet. Of course, I haven’t totally banished worry and stress from my mind, but I’m making progress. What about you? Do you need more quiet in your day? How about turning on some music that calms your soul or turning to the Word of God for a few quiet moments with Jesus?
Now it’s your turn: How could you make room for a little more quiet in your day? Do one of these ideas appeal to you?
Need ideas on how to get more out of your quiet time? I wrote More of God: A Distracted Woman’s Guide to More Meaningful Quiet Times to help overwhelmed and distracted women recover a fresh sense of God’s presence, learn to hear His voice, and grow their prayer lives. Click on the image below for more info:
Note: This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase, I earn a small commission towards the maintenance of this site at no extra cost to you.
Are you facing the challenges of life on an empty tank? Need help renewing your relationship with God?
Thank you. I love the part of the scripture…..a gentle whisper. I also like the idea of one scripture, one word. Lately I have signed up for a couple of Bible plans and several blogs, but I’m learning that all that is doing is overwhelming my mind! Simplify. That is what I need to do.
I can so relate, Hayley! That’s how I was feeling when I was trying to follow two full-blown Bible studies, each with lots of reading and questions! May the Lord give you wisdom on how to simplify.
i have a picture my Uncle Marion took back in 1988. my cousin is holding a baby sparrow in her hands. i love that picture and makes me think of the scripture and hymn, His Eye is on the Sparrow – it gives me peace in this chaotic world right now, because i know He is watching me, our world and all those i love.
could not see a place to attach that picture.
Enjoy your blog. Dana
Thanks so much for that lovely story, Dana. It reminds me of a cup that a friend has with that same Scripture and a picture of a bird. He says it belonged to his mom, and God used it to speak to me one night after dinner with him and his wife.
Yes to a simpler quiet time! Thank you, Betsy.
You are so welcome, Jody. Blessings, my friend.
Good ideas for navigating anxiety today! Thanks so much!
You are so welcome! Blessings to you, friend!
Thank you. I will try the instrumental music. I will also reread your book. Look so forward to your encouraging emails. God bless you
Thanks for your kind words, Ann Marie. I appreciate you. God bless you too!