Peace Over Pressure: Finding Calm When Life Feels Heavy

Have you noticed how easy it is to slip into striving — even for peace. I'm totally there with you, friend. We tell ourselves, “Once things slow down… once I catch up… then I’ll finally breathe.” I've said these things SO many times and gained nothing from it. "Once things slow down, I'll hang with friends. Once I catch up, I'll chase on that dream. When I'm done homeschooling all my kids, THEN I'll finally breathe." And yet peace doesn’t wait for perfect timing. It meets us in the middle of the mess. When I realized this important truth, it changed the way I approach my days.

When we choose to pause and breathe with Jesus, we remember that peace isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift He freely gives.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10

1. Peace Begins When We Stop Pushing

I'll be the first to admit that THIS IS HARD! Why? Pressure comes from believing everything depends on us. Peace begins when we remember it doesn’t. Giving up that control isn't easy, but when we do it invites us into a space where God can do what we can't do.

When we try to carry too much — responsibilities, relationships, expectations — our minds and bodies tighten. But when we lay it down, we make space for His Spirit to move.

Try whispering this prayer when overwhelm rises:
“Jesus, I give You this moment. Teach me to rest in Your care.”

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

2. Trust God’s Timing, Not the World’s Pace

The world says “hurry.” God says “rest.” When I find myself trying to run at the world's pace, I get overwhelmed, and I miss out on the glimmers of joy around me. How about you, friend?

Peace grows when we slow down enough to see what God is already doing — even in the waiting.

Shall we let go of rushing through our to-do lists and notice what brings calm instead? A slow morning stretch. A verse that steadies you. A small act of kindness. A moment of worship.

Every time you honor His pace over pressure, you strengthen the peace within you.

“Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6–7

3. Let Peace Be Your Practice

Peace is a muscle we strengthen through repetition — one small, steady choice at a time.
It’s found in the deep breath before reacting, in the pause before saying “yes” to another commitment, in the quiet prayer whispered in the middle of chaos. Pair it with a grounding essential oil like Frankincense or Sacred Mountain and inhale deeply as you pray.

Over time, these small acts of surrender build resilience and calm that last far beyond the moment. Don't underestimate the power of small changes. I love the small pauses that allow God to enter into my circumstances and prepare me for what is ahead.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” — Isaiah 26:3

A Final Word of Encouragement

Friend, you don’t have to hold everything together. I give you permission to say no, to pause before the next thing, and to incorporate mini prayers throughout your day.
Peace comes when you let go — when you allow God to carry what’s too heavy and lead you through what feels uncertain.

Even in the swirl of responsibilities and waiting seasons, His peace is steady, unshaken, and always available.

Take a deep breath. Release the pressure. Let His peace fill every corner of your heart today. He sees you. He loves you.