If I’m being honest, I’ve been running on empty a lot lately. Like double-decker, struggle-bus levels of soul-deep exhaustion and despair. And the mere thought of the holiday chaos quietly creeping in causes a mental spiral that does nothing but distract and delay.
Between the never-ending to-do lists, my full-time job, PTO responsibilities, mom-life, and the swirl of emotions that come with grief and daily life, peace has felt a little out of reach.
Maybe you can relate.
This time of year always seems to bring a mix of beauty and busyness. The leaves start to fall, and before we even catch our breath, the calendar fills up with Thanksgiving plans, Christmas programs, and all the “extras” that land on mom’s shoulders.
But what if this year looked different?
What if, instead of bracing ourselves for burnout, we chose to prepare our hearts for peace?
God’s Invitation to Peace
Philippians 4:6–7 tells us:
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
These verses aren’t just pretty words for a Pinterest board. They’re a powerful invitation and comforting reminder. They are our roadmap for staying grounded in God’s peace when life feels like too much.
If we want to cultivate peace before the holiday chaos hits, it starts with three small but life-changing steps.
1. Don’t Worry, But Pray
Worry tends to creep in when the schedule gets full and every reminder and deadline looms, whispering that there’s not enough time, energy, or capacity for it all.
But prayer can speak louder than those whispered fallacies. It shifts our focus from what we can’t control to reminders about the One who orchestrates it all, who is already there, in every detail, every event, every decision.
Prayer creates space for our desperate grasp for control to transform into a surrendered trust in the One that holds it all in His hands. And, friend, that is where peace begins.
This week, when the mental spiral begins, as it so often does, pause and turn that mental energy into prayer.
It’s not about having the perfect words or a certain length of dedicated time. It’s about opening your heart in the middle of the mess and whispering your simple plea for peace and joy.
Even if it’s just:
“Lord, I need You here.”
“Jesus, give me peace in this moment.”
“Lord, help me slow down.”
“Father God, help me see what (or who) truly matters.”
“Lord, for the love, what am I going to do with these crazy kids?”
One small prayer creates space for God to meet you right where you are and allows His comfort to envelope you in a warm embrace.
2. Tell God What You Need
As working moms, we often feel like we should have it all together. We juggle home, work, family, and faith, and still feel like we’re dropping the ball.
But peace begins when we stop pretending to be superhuman and start being honest with God.
He invites you to bring your real needs to Him—your exhaustion, your financial stress, your overwhelm about hosting Thanksgiving or keeping up with work deadlines.
He already knows, but there’s something sacred about surrendering your needs out loud.
It’s like a child looking up to their parent and whispering, “Daddy, I’m tired. Will you carry me, please?”
When we voice our worries and needs, we stop pretending to be superhuman and give them over to God, allowing Him to carry them, and us, in His divine strength.
Start positioning yourself for God’s perfect peace throughout the upcoming holiday season by telling Him what you need. Because peace isn’t found in doing more, it’s found in depending more.
If you’re like me, you may have a hard time voicing your needs. Simply prayers like these can help get you started:
“God, I need wisdom to know what to say yes to and what to release.”
“Lord, I need patience with my kids (or fill in the blank… IYKYK).”
“Father, I need rest that goes deeper than sleep.”
Sometimes, your raw honesty with God can release a river of hidden vulnerabilities purifying your mind of the enemy’s lies and standing firm in God’s grasp.
3. Thank Him for All He Has Done
Gratitude changes everything.
When I look back over the past year — possibly the hardest year of my life — I can see God’s fingerprints.
Moments of comfort. Little provisions. Unexpected kindness. Undeserved grace. Forgiveness. Above all, love.
Time with my father the weekend before his passing.
Compassion and support when my crumbling façade was palpable.
Recognition amidst reproach.
When we take time to thank God in the middle of our chaos, our perspective changes. The big blessings, the small mercies, even the bitter rejections, are all reminders of God’s goodness and unfailing love.
Gratitude pulls us out of scarcity and back into abundance. Even when life feels heavy, gratitude reminds us that God will carry our burdens for us because He is still good, still near, and still faithful through it all.
When you notice yourself becoming disinterested and despondent, embrace gratitude as a tactical response to rebuild enthusiasm and cultivate peace.
Start with a morning gratitude practice by writing down three things for which you are grateful. Or end your day by reflecting on where you saw God’s faithfulness and provision throughout your day.
A Gentle Reminder for Your Heart
Mama, peace doesn’t come from crossing everything off your list.
Even in your busiest season, trusting the One who holds it all together allows you to live with peace instead of pressure, and calm instead of chaos.
Before the holiday chaos starts creeping in, take time to pause.
Breathe deeply.
Pray instead of worry.
Ask instead of carry.
Thank instead of dismiss.
Refocus your heart and mind on what truly matters.
Because when your heart and mind are anchored in God’s peace, the calendar may still be full, but your soul can breathe and you can rest in His loving embrace.
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