Why do bad things like to happen all at once?

I imagine all my greatest fears huddled together in a dimly-lit basement, plotting their coordinated attack. I’ll make her feel unsafe by making her have to find a new place to live, one cackles. Another fear whispers, You know what would be fun? Giving her a new, mysterious health problem to battle. One fear who’s been sitting in the corner the whole time speaks up. What if we throw in a huge rift in one of her closest friendships while we’re at it? Another conspirator says, Why not a terrible date she can obsess over as well?

I imagine myself bursting into that imaginary basement Wonder Woman-style and yelling, STOP IT! This is too much! My fears all scatter, defeated once again.

Finding Peace When You’re Beyond Overwhelmed

Yeah, right. We all know it’s not that easy to handle incredibly stressful times in our lives—when every single thing we thought was stable seems turned on end.

While there’s no easy basement-fight solution, there is a remedy to our biggest anxieties. The remedy isn’t a cure-all, but it is comfort and a compassionate hug from God in his Word. God doesn’t promise to take all our stress away in an instant—but he does say we can share our burdens with him. He will hold us when we cry, worry, and overthink at 2 a.m. He will give us peace when we need it most, even if we go right back to worrying a moment later. God promises to fight with us and for us as we face life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take some time right now to pray through these four verses with me:

God, I feel like no one understands all my worries. Show me you understand.

The Lord is near to those who are discouraged;
    he saves those who have lost all hope. — Psalm 34:18 (GNTD)

Lord, I feel like I can’t handle it all. Help me remember you’re the one in control.

Do not be afraid—I am with you!
    I am your God—let nothing terrify you!
I will make you strong and help you;
    I will protect you and save you. — Isaiah 41:10 (GNTD)

God, I know you love me. Remind me that you are my biggest ally.

I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. — Jeremiah 29:11 (GNTD)

Lord, give me peace. Even though I will face anxiety again, help me rest in the moments you bring me the solace only you can give.

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. — John 14:27 (GNTD)