Colossians: Why We Are Slowing Down Our Bible Study This Summer

…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:11-14 NIV

Welcome to our summer series! This June and July, we are doing something a little unconventional: we are hosting an online class on Monday nights covering the book of Colossians.

Yes, you read that right. We are spending several weeks on a book that is only four chapters long.

Why take so much time for such a short book? Because this summer, we are completely rejecting the rush-through mentality. Instead, we are approaching God’s Word through a Sit, Soak, and Saturate mindset.

The Danger of the Check-the-Box Quiet Time

Oftentimes, we find ourselves reading through Scripture just to check it off a list. We follow a daily reading plan, skim a quick devotional, or review notes from a Sunday sermon. While God’s Word is always inspiring in the moment, if we don’t stop to marinate in the goodness of His truth, we easily toss the Bible aside, move on to the next task on our to-do list, and walk away completely unchanged.

Ask me how I know… because this was my exact lifestyle for years.

But the Lord wants so much more for us. He wants us to embrace sanctification—the lifelong journey of becoming more and more like Jesus. He desires for us to sit with His message, soak it in, and let it prompt us into action. That is what it truly means to live under His authority.

The catch? Change takes time. We are creatures of habit, and retraining our minds to override our naturally rushed, fleshly desires doesn’t happen overnight.

Studying for Action, Verse by Verse

This summer, a group of incredible women is walking together to study Scripture differently. As we read and digest Colossians, we aren’t just looking for information—we are looking for action. We are intentionally slowing down to hear the small promptings of the Holy Spirit, taking an in-depth look at each verse, one by one.

This past week, our challenge was to find and carry out at least one action step from verses 1–14.

For some, that meant holding ourselves accountable to relying on God’s strength instead of our own self-sufficiency.
For others, it was praying daily for the fundamental spiritual needs of our families.

On Monday night, we gathered online to share how the Holy Spirit prompted us to meditate on these truths until they began to reshape our very nature.

Trading Exhaustion for Divine Fuel

Let me give you a beautiful example of how this looks in practice. Colossians 1:11 opens the door to reflect on the exact areas of your life where you feel the weakest right now:

In your parenting (When patience is wearing thin)
In your career (When burnout feels inevitable)
In your relationships (When friction causes distance)
In your health (When physical exhaustion takes over)

This verse is a direct invitation to let God’s glorious might step into those exact spaces. It’s an opportunity to pray for the unique spiritual fuel that only He can provide.

The SSS Process in Action:

SIT: Write out the verse and post it prominently where you can see it throughout the day.

SOAK: Let the goodness of the Word rest deep within your soul without rushing to the next task.

SATURATE: Allow the Lord to flood the specific area of your life that has been gnawing at your heart and robbing you of joy.

Without intentionally handing these heavy areas over to the Father, we experience a slow depletion of hope that eventually drains us completely dry. Imagine the immense strength and relief you could gain after an entire week of simply sitting, soaking, and saturating just one verse!

Moving Into the Week Ahead

Our homework for this coming week is to reread the second half of Colossians chapter one with a fresh vision. We are taking these verses and looking for potential areas where God wants to work in us and through us.

It makes me wonder: Did the Apostle Paul have this exact concept of deep meditation in mind when he penned these words centuries ago?

What About You?

Have you ever stopped to analyze your reflection time with Scripture? Do you find yourself rushing through chapters, or are you resting in them? Could the Sit, Soak, and Saturate method be exactly what your soul needs this season?

Jump right in and give it a try this week! If you do, leave us a comment below—we would absolutely love to hear how the Holy Spirit is prompting you.

Check back with us throughout the summer for updates on our journey. The Lord has amazing blessings in store for us as we intentionally marinate in His Word, verse by verse.

June 14, 2026 0

The Bible: An Invitation to Pray

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“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As we reflect on our relationship with the Lord, we might ask, ‘How do I grow? How do I get closer to the heart of God?’ And we all know the common response, don’t we? Read your Bible and pray.

It’s a good answer. It’s a true answer. But if we are honest with ourselves… sometimes those two things feel like chores on a to-do list. We read the Word, then we close the book. Then we move to prayer, and sometimes… we stall.

Have you ever sat down to pray and felt—just for a second—a sense of ‘spiritual writer’s block’?

Have you ever felt like your prayers were repetitive, or dull, or wondered if you were doing it wrong? Maybe they feel like short-circuit prayers.

Have you ever felt like you were speaking into the air, reaching for words that just wouldn’t come?

What else comes to mind?

What if I told you that you don’t have to find the words? What if the words are already waiting for you? How would you feel if we said, “There is a sure way to pray in step with God?”

Dr. Phil Collins suggests that when we separate Bible reading and prayer, we miss a spark. But when we combine them—when we pray the Scriptures—our Bible reading becomes a conversation, and our prayer becomes an echo of God’s own voice.

Think of it this way: To pray the Scriptures is to anchor your heart to a specific text and let it navigate your conversation with the Father. You aren’t just reading history; you are breathing in His words and breathing them back out as your own.”

The Bible offers Prayer Invitations:

The Invitation to Echo: The Bible is a prayer book. From the raw, honest cries of the Psalms to the perfect structure of the Lord’s Prayer, these are your ‘tutors.’ When you don’t have the words, use theirs. Let David’s cry be your cry. Let Paul’s joy be your joy. This is the simplest way to let Scripture navigate your conversation with the LORD.

The Invitation to Converse: When reading a story or a parable, we often look for the lesson or main takeaway. Another thing we can add is looking for a person. Often, this is where you can make a connection. If a verse touches a wound, turn that thought into a petition. If a verse shows you God’s glory, turn it into worship. If a verse calls you to action, ask for the LORD to help you bring it to fruition. Let it be a cycle—He speaks, you respond.

The Invitation to Focus: God’s Word can help identify what to talk to Him about. Time reading and digesting Scripture is an opportunity to let the Bible work through you and direct your prayers. The passage may bring to light a specific weight on your heart for yourself, others, or the world. (health, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, finances, spiritual battles, and emotional matters.) It might shed a brighter light on an annoying sin you can’t seem to shake. God’s Word can ignite a spirit of thankfulness and a need to worship. When you let Scripture define the topic as you discover His promises, this is the perfect breeding ground for your prayer.

These three invitations are open doors to help us with our prayer life. They present ways to push through, not knowing what to say or feeling like our prayers are flat. Scripture allows us to echo God’s Words, invites us to spend time talking to the LORD, and directs our focus so our prayers aren’t squirrely.

Let God’s Word be your prayer guide.

March 25, 2026 1

Scripture: From Reading to Rhythm

Have you ever sat down with your Bible, read a chapter, and realized five minutes later that you couldn’t remember a single word?

I’ve been there. For a long time, my personal reading time felt like surfing the waves—moving fast across the surface without ever knowing what was truly swimming underneath. I wanted a deeper connection, but if I’m being honest, I often sat down and thought, “Where do I even start?”

I didn’t need more information; I needed a framework. I longed for a way to reduce the friction of “study” and create a space where Scripture felt less like a textbook and more like a conversation.

Introducing the A.M.P.S. Method

That’s why I created the A.M.P.S. Bible Study Method. A.M.P.S. isn’t just an acronym; it’s a way to “crank up” your engagement with the Word. It’s designed to mirror the way we naturally learn and internalize truth—moving from initial attention to deep, life-altering saturation.

Whether you are a seasoned believer or picking up the Bible for the first time, this method provides the structure to move you from “skimming” to “dwelling.”

The Four Pillars of A.M.P.S.

A – Attention: We begin by pausing and preparing the soil of the heart. We read with purpose, noticing what the Holy Spirit highlights.
M – Meaning: We dive into the “meat”—the history, the original Greek and Hebrew terminology, and the full counsel of Scripture.
P – Perspective of God: This is the bridge to intimacy. We present our confusion and thoughts to the Father and ask for His clarity.
S – Saturation: We don’t just close the book and walk away. We ask for help to live it out, infusing His instructions into our daily lives.

More Than a Notebook: A Daily Ritual

The A.M.P.S. Bible Study Journal was built to be your companion in this process. In a world saturated with digital noise, there is something powerful about a physical space for dialogue and clarity.

A lined journal isn’t merely a notebook; it’s a personal space where your spiritual journey evolves. By using this framework, you remove the “decision fatigue” of study. You no longer have to wonder how to study; you simply step into the rhythm.

Are You Ready to Dive Deeper?

Stop surfing the surface and start exploring the depths. If you’re looking for a Bible study method that honors the original context while speaking directly to your heart, I invite you to start your A.M.P.S. journey today.

Grab your A.M.P.S. Journal

February 13, 2026 0

Can Scripture Shape My Prayers?

Have you ever sat down to pray and found yourself repeating the same three sentences? We’ve all been there. While God honors every sincere word, our prayer lives can sometimes feel like a dry well.

The remedy isn’t necessarily to “try harder,” but to change the source of our language. By letting Scripture guide our prayers, we move from a monologue of our own worries to a dialogue with the Living God. Drawing from insights in 1 Corinthians, here are three steps to help you transform your prayer life from the inside out.

1. Let Scripture Influence Your Prayer Life

Prayer is a dialogue with the Lord. Often, we bring our own agenda and forget the will of God when talking with the Father. Scripture provides the vocabulary, focus, and depth that our natural minds often lack.

As you read, don’t just look for information; look for a bridge to God.

Seek Illumination: Before you start, ask the Holy Spirit to “turn the lights on” in the text.
Dig Deeper: Pay attention to the context. Why was Paul writing this to the Corinthians? Use different translations or cross-references to see how one truth connects to another.
The Golden Question: Ask, “Lord, what are You showing me here that should become my prayer?” If you read about God’s faithfulness in a trial, let your prayer be: “Lord, I thank You that You are faithful even when I am anxious.”

2. Read with Intentionality to Pray

It’s easy to read the Bible for study and pray for needs as two separate activities. The power happens when you merge them. Approach every passage ready to “pray it into action.”

For Yourself: If a verse mentions the “wisdom of God,” pray for that wisdom to navigate your specific work conflict or parenting struggle.
For Others: Instead of just praying “Lord, help my friend,” use the text. If you’re reading about the unity of the Body in 1 Corinthians 12, pray that your friend would feel their unique value in their local church.
For the World: Use the promises of God’s Kingdom to intercede for global issues. Pray that God’s will—as revealed in the Word—would be done on earth as it is in heaven.

3. Invite the Holy Spirit to Lead

At the end of the day, praying Scripture is an act of submission to a relationship with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your conversation with the Lord as you digest Scripture. Allow your Bible reading to spur your prayers.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Paul reminds us that true power doesn’t come from “persuasive words of wisdom,” but from a “demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” Let this resonate with your prayer life. God is not longing for elaborate wording, but a simple, pure heart coming to Him to talk.

SO WHAT DOES THIS REALLY LOOK LIKE?

Practical Example: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 talks about growing in love. As you are reading this passage, you may feel a tugging at your heart for someone in your life that you may view as a “sandpaper person”. Immediately go to the Lord in prayer and use this verse to begin your conversation.

“Lord God, Your Word says love is patient and kind. I don’t always have this mindset. Transform my heart so I can show this same Christ-like love to (NAME). Help me see them the way you do, your child. Allow my heart to be filled with Your love so I can extend kindness and a patient spirit towards them…”

Moving From Page to Prayer

Learning to pray Scripture isn’t about mastering a new spiritual “skill”—it’s about deepening a relationship. You don’t need to be a scholar to start. All you need is an open Bible and a heart willing to say, “Lord, teach me to pray.”

As you begin to shift your prayers around Scripture, I pray you will find that your conversations with the Lord become more grounded in the Word and your spirit becomes more attuned to the voice of the Father.

February 10, 2026 0

From Ink to Connection: Bible Reading Tips

Did you know that nearly 90% of American households own a Bible, yet less than 15% of people actually read it daily? (Source: American Bible Society, 2021).

That is a staggering gap. It leads to a question we don’t always want to answer out loud: How many Bibles are in your home right now… and how many are actually being opened?

Let’s be honest—for a long time, my Bible reading felt like “just looking at ink on paper.” Those letters (the typography) were there, but the intimate connection with God that I craved was missing. I was reading words, but I wasn’t hearing a Voice.

If we aren’t careful, Bible reading becomes just another box to check on a “to-do” list. We see the history, but we miss the Heart, His Heart.

It took me years to distinguish the difference between reading words and experiencing the Word. I wrote my latest study, Beyond Scripture Typography, so it doesn’t have to take you years. I want to help you move past the “ink on the page” and into a framework where you feel confident, capable, and connected every time you open your Bible.

CLICK HERE

Tell me in the comments:

What is the biggest thing that keeps you from opening your Bible daily? (No judgment here—we’re in this together!) 👇

February 3, 2026 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Four

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I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)

Chapter four is entitled “Embracing Beyond” but exactly what does that mean? It could simply be an emotion of longing for more with little effort or it might be defined as an action filled with sweat and tears to fight like crazy to get to new heights. Like most things in life, the definition lies within the beholder.

In Ephesians, Paul expresses his thoughts regarding “embracing beyond.” He clearly illustrates the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God. Paul emphasizes this “beyond” is an action which takes a lot of time building rapport and intimacy with the Lord. He defines it as a lifestyle of gaining the full knowledge of the Lord by embracing a personal relationship.

Pastor Darren Dye of Freedom Fellowship Church in Canyon, Tx recently reiterated Paul’s primary point in Ephesians 1:17 when he made this statement from the pulpit, “When you agree with God’s Word, you invite the living power into your life.” Scripture opens the door to knowing about God, but when you go beyond and align your life with God’s ways, the relationship of knowing Him personally begins to blossom into a transformation of life like no other.

“The Lord wants you to know Him intensely, as He knows you.”

Our one-on-one experience with God is enhanced when we acknowledge and invite His presence. Each personal union with the Lord comes with its own uniqueness, beauty, and thorns. It is a commitment filled with daily habits and ways of the Lord so foreign to our own. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Often it requires us to:

Engage in conversation with God
Ask for spiritual wisdom
Be open to His insight
Invite Him into circumstances
Walk with Him minute by minute
Trust His understanding and timing
Posture ourselves under His influence
And the list goes on…

Under His authority, we must be calculated with our time and ignite our passion for God and His ways through our actions. God reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” It is up to us to determine our “beyond” and make the most of every opportunity to delight in the Lord with all that we are.

Chapter four is an extension of the Father’s invitation to come and partake in a relationship apart from what the world offers. For me, it was an opportunity to self-reflect on the main barrier holding me back-a gap in my daily conversation with God.

What might it be for you?

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees… Deut. 10:12-13 (NIV)

February 17, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Three

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

What do you think of when you hear the word grow? Plants-Kids-Puppies? Very rarely do I associate this word with God, however the Bible reminds us over and over that we continually develop in our faith.

The Lord has equipped us with tools to embrace an ongoing movement towards spiritual maturity and He has given us a list of qualities He wants us to strive to obtain. 2 Peter 1:8 reminds us that these qualities prevent us from being ineffective and unproductive. What are these attributes you ask? Faith*Goodness*Knowledge*Self-control*Perserverance*Godliness*Mutual Affection*Love (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Scripture also tells us that our faith must go beyond what we believe-faith must be displayed as an action as well. Our life reflects growth or the lack of through our daily way of life. (2 Peter 1:9). Growth requires continual practice and training just like an athlete because the Father wants us to refine our skills and abilities, study His word, and display a deep desire to grow in knowledge. Train and practice-strengthening our spiritual muscles.

As we work towards knowing God intimately and discovering the attributes of Jesus, we become equipped to increase our discernment from what is of him and what is of the enemy. Our growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has a way of heightening our senses to acknowledge things of the enemy and it guards us from being quickly deceived by the world around us.

Chapter three clearly presents growth as “a follower’s responsibility to cultivate it, knowing there is a progression to each bonding aspect with God, including communication with Him.” Growth relies on the intimacy with God and the discipline to carry out Proverbs 3:5. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

“Your development is continual and dependent upon the power in Christ.” (see Philippians 2:13) Be encouraged my friend “to stay active and tenacious” by making every effort to growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Cling to His promises and embrace your growth progression.

Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8 (NIV)

February 13, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Two

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

Have you ever feared something in your life? I know I have and compiling a list might be overwhelming. So, what is fear? It can be an emotion, or an action based on believing something or someone may be dangerous and/or cause pain. From my past experiences, I might add – it can raise your anxiety level because of what you feel is to come. Fear can also be a chance to respond by decelerating or igniting even more fear.

What do you think of when the word fear is spoken? What if I said fear could be a healthy thing?

The Bible often references fear word regarding the Lord.

Job 28:28b “. . .The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 “. . .Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the duty of all mankind.”

I have struggled with “Fear of the Lord” throughout my lifetime especially when I reflect on Proverbs 1:7 which clearly states, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. But as I have pressed into His Word and gained a greater appreciation for Scripture, I have come to realize fear of the Lord begins with accepting the fact that God is the only one who knows everything.

Fearing the Lord displays a healthy relationship with God. It is an action where we surrender to His authority not because we are forced to do so, but because we know He knows best. He expects us to keep an open mind to His advice and embrace His reproof. The Father is very clear about the outcome of those who follow Him and those who do not.

Romans 11:19-22 ESV Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off.

This verse gives us the knowledge of God’s position on following Him. He wants us to seek His wisdom and love His ways by being a lifetime learner. As a helpmate, He provided His very words, the Bible, to give us Godly counsel and instructions yet much like our salvation, the choice is ours.

We must believe Scripture is:

A living document assisting in engaging with God
A source of inspiration to change our perspective and actions
A guide to molding and shaping our lives to do His will
A window to knowing God’s character
Transformational, miraculous, powerful, set apart from all other text
A love story with us

Elevating biblical text necessitates work and a commitment to go BEYOND!

Fear-do you value God enough to understand the fear of the Lord? How deep is your awe and submission to the Father? Does His Word play a significant role in your life? To what lengths are you willing to go to make Scripture engagement a life-changing event in your life?

Chapter two of Beyond Scriptural Typography is entitled Exceeding Reasons. We each must find the exceeding reasons to embrace the fear of the Lord and why we would seek Biblical knowledge. The personal choice does come with the wisdom that “obtaining life-changing engagement skills with God’s Word is a refining process with a time factor attached.”

How will you spend your days ahead?

February 5, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter One

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

Welcome readers! This post begins a ten weeks study over a newly released book entitled, Beyond Scriptural Typography. It is designed to assist believers in personalizing their interactive framework with the Bible. In the introduction, the book refers to Scripture as “an open invitation to go beyond the charming print and a chance to experience the life-changing power…”. The book offers readers a chance to become better equipped in interacting with God’s Word no matter their level of spiritual maturity.

Pondering Revelations

As you ponder how many Bibles you own, how do you define the Bible? This week’s focal verse is Hebrews 4:12. The verse clearly refers to Scripture as the “word of God”. These words are often found in lyrics like a song by Mercy Me: Word of God speak, Would You pour down like rain, Washing my eyes to see Your majesty. To be still and know that You’re in this place. Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness-Word of God speak. The Bible is an intentional mode of communication established by the Lord to speak to each one of us. It is the very words of God.

We cannot deny the Bible is alive and active, more than print on a page, when we begin using it as a guide to daily living. Chapter one states:

“The potential elevation level of biblical print will always remain flat without action on our part.”

Scripture has transformational power ready and waiting as an invitation to ignite change throughout our lives. However, it is our choice to accept the welcoming welcome, surrender to it’s authority, and determine the depth of our interaction with God’s Word.

The Bible provides the knowledge that God lives among us, loves us, and longs for us to intimately know Him the way He knows us. He has full transparency of all that is within us, good, bad, and ugly, and yet loves us despite of it. The Lord has provided His Voice as spiritual food to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him. It is a tool to obtaining intimacy, but we have to be in it’s presence-reading, studying, interacting, listening, relying, praying, and believing on it’s every word to experience the beauty of the relational instrument.

His Voice can ignite change throughout our lives as our reliance grows daily. Matthew 4:4 reminds us that every word from the Father helps us know right from wrong and gives us a roadmap to carry out His plans. As we accept His invitation to partake in Scripture, we have to ponder our actions. To what extreme are we willing to serve and seek? Can we be all in with a willing mind showcasing a wholehearted commitment? What are we willing to do to learn “how to truly read, study, and apply the Bible?”

Chapter One gives you the opportunity to reflect on your Bible intake and Scripture infusion. It presents a challenge to embrace the process of discovering new ways to engage with God’s Words as part of loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. (Deut. 6:5)

“No one innately arrives with the knowledge, skills, and experience to comprehend and digest God’s Word.”

If you envision yourself fully saturated with Scripture, intentionally leaving no room for the enemy to pull you away from God, this book is exactly where the Lord needs you to be. It is an opportunity to foster an individualized method to delight in His Word through defining the Bible’s value for you and obtaining practical methods to experience its active and living power.

Chapter One helps you reveal your current interaction with Scripture, gives you amp opportunities to ponder your unfiltered view and value of the Bible, and identify ways you need God’s Word to be a stronger beacon in your life. The chapter end with Psalm 119:105

“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

I look forward to this book study the next ten weeks: a discovery to use God’s Word to navigate life.

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Scriptural-Typography-Genna-Stotts/dp/B0CCCVPVV6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PBOFUJ69LXUX&keywords=beyond+scriptural+typography+genna+stotts&qid=1706479815&sprefix=Beyond+Scriptural%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1

January 28, 2024 1

Overwhelmed? Conquer it with God and His Word

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? I have had the pleasure of being there! I have lost count of the number of episodes. However, I can attest to the fact those zany feelings are genuine and definitely stop me in my tracks. It has taken me years to finally address it, call it out, and deal with it.

Two years ago, God was restoring me from an intense pit which lasted half a decade. As He began reconditioning my heart and repairing my life, the Lord had me face one of the largest elephants in the room. (Yes, there were more than one!) This creature had overpowered me several times and left me devastated in handling my very own existence. I even identified myself as one who was best at doing nothing when not knowing what to do. It was time to deal with the paralyzing effects of being overwhelmed.

My dark valley was a discipline gorge delivering many unforgettable lessons. However, the most impactful discovery was the importance of staying in His Word and paying close attention to His directives. My desperation allowed me to cling to The Spirit of truth, God’s Holy Word, and find hope in His promises.

As I began digging deeper into Scripture, the Holy Spirit began prompting me to apply it to my circumstances. God was basically saying, “It is time to put skin on Scripture my daughter”. The Lord started with my feelings of being overwhelmed and spotlighted the root of the issue. ME! My out-of-control desperation episodes where nothing more than lacking the ability to let go and allow God to drive.

The fight is still real and can be powerful at times. However, I have learned to face the devasting lie from the enemy by humbly surrendering to the directives and promises of God’s sweet words- Scripture. I am getting better at calling out those overwhelming thoughts and placing them under God’s authority than I use to be. And somehow along the way, I found freedom by living life as a passenger and giving up control of the keys.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Allow me to share three ways I learned to combat the struggle:

1. Surrendered to God: I had to accept the fact life is not about me. As I discovered my purpose through God, it became clear-I had been living according to my plans. I had created blueprints I could not humanly achieve because the truth is: I am a powerless being. God is in control and I am not.

So, as I began humbly surrendering my life to the Lord, those overwhelming moments arose less and less. It became easier to handle the pressures of daily living. Why? Because I was no longer the manager of my life, God was. It still amazes me how giving up the steering wheel allowed my life to be in better working order.

2. Connected with God: Hindsight is definitely 20/20. My overwhelming episodes could have been lessened had I been in full relationship with the Almighty Lord. God showed me His desire-for me to participate in an environment focused upon Him 24/7.

After admitting to my lack of engagement with God and Scripture, I began making Him top priority. I ran to Him about everything in life-good or bad. He became a power source of strength above anything I had experienced. His connection seemed to block out the enemy’s ability to overwhelm my mind. God gave me peace, security, and satisfaction. I began following His discernment and letting Him lead.

3. Submitted to the Lord’s text: Putting skin on Scripture started with drenching my life with God’s Holy Word. For years, I had viewed the Bible as talk uttered by God without acknowledging the supernatural force, potency, and capability it possessed. My viewpoint had to change.

God extended His invitation to infuse my life and He welcomed me to a completely different way of thinking and living through His Word. His empowerment lured me to seek Him on a more intimate level and to bring my life under His absolute authority. I began inserting my name in His Word and fighting off those fickle feelings through declaring Scripture.

Now when overwhelming emotions creep up, I go straight to those commanding verses and claim them. I submit to the power of the Father and ask for His help in fighting off the persuading lies. Slowly, I have learned to let Scripture conquer the battle of my mind. I have found the Lord’s text to be a true defensive sword worthy to be called highly effective.

So, now when I begin to experience the feelings of being overwhelmed, I am no longer paralyzed and do nothing. God has given me an action plan and a helpmate: His Holy Word. I am now able to keep moving forward thanks to God’s provision.

My “Go To” Scriptures when feeling overwhelmed:

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

I, even I, am he who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12a (NIV)

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114 (NIV)

How do you overcome paralyzing emotions? Share your suggestions and thoughts below. We would love to hear from you!

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