✝️➡️Find Hope When the World Shakes And Your Soul Is Weary
Dear Friend,
Yesterday my soul felt knotted up with worry over problems I cannot fix. You know that feeling—when your chest feels tight, your thoughts spiral, and even your shoulders seem to carry the weight of the world. I felt myself spinning with grumpy thoughts that only made the knots pull tighter.
I knew I needed a change of scenery and some new thoughts. So I went outside with Troy and we settled into our patio chairs, letting the familiar creak of the metal remind me I was home. I closed my eyes and really listened—to the cheerful chatter of birds somewhere in the distance, to the gentle rustle that comes with wide open spaces. I felt the wind whisper all around me, soft against my skin, and opened my eyes to watch it wind its way across the growing cornfields, creating waves of green that rippled toward the horizon like a gentle reminder that God's presence surrounds us even when we can't see Him.
Sitting there in that vast openness, I brought what felt unfixable by me to the One who holds all things together. I also felt some deep disappointment over things that didn't turn out the way I thought they should—you know those dreams that crumble, those prayers that seem unanswered. One by one, I loosened my grip on them and placed them in God's capable hands. I asked Him to help me deal with the swirl of emotions threatening to pull me under.
As I sat there processing, something beautiful happened. In the peace of God's presence, I felt the knots in my soul begin to loosen as I loosened my grip and gave my cares to God. The tight feeling in my chest eased. My breathing slowed. The grumpy thoughts quieted to a whisper.
I've decided to start a Be Still Series on my social media. You can follow me on Facebook or Instagram. I won't post everyday, but I will try to as often as I can. It will be a space where you can be still and remember who God is and who you are as his child. Maybe your soul feels knotted too...
Three Promises to Untangle Your Soul
When our hearts feel heavy with global conflicts, personal disappointments, or circumstances beyond our control, God offers us three powerful promises to anchor our souls:
1. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) This invitation to cease striving isn't about ignoring reality—it's about remembering who's really in control. When you feel the urge to refresh the news "just one more time" or when your mind races with worst-case scenarios, this promise reminds you that Adonai sees the whole picture. He's working even when you can't see it.
2. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10) In a world that feels chaotic, you have a refuge that never fails. God's character—His faithfulness, love, and power—becomes your shelter. When anxiety rises, you can literally speak His names aloud: Adonai, Kyrios, Jesus. Let His character remind you that you're secure in what matters most.
3. "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9) Your courage doesn't have to come from within. It flows from God's promise of His presence. He's not just nearby—He's actively engaged in your situation, fighting alongside you. Whatever you're facing, you're not facing it alone.
Be Still and Reflect:
What feels "unfixable" in your life right now? How can you bring it to the One who holds all things together?
Which of these three promises speaks most to your heart today? Why?
Where do you need to loosen your grip and trust God's sovereignty?
Carry These Thoughts With You:
When anxiety rises: "God is my strong tower"
When circumstances feel overwhelming: "The Lord is with me wherever I go"
When you're tempted to control: "Be still and know that He is God"
When You Need More Than a Moment
Sometimes a "Be Still" moment isn't enough—sometimes we need deeper help to untangle the knots in our souls. If you're feeling overwhelmed by current events, struggling with unfixable problems, or just need someone to walk alongside you in this season, I'm here to help.
My Books - Perfect for Times Like These
"Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" - One reader said it perfectly: "It's easy to get caught up in the heartaches and worries of life. Promised Hope reminds us that God, in all his ways and names, is with us in the wait." Another shared: "This book is the cozy hug you need on a tough day." This 8-week study explores God's names and how they anchor our hope when everything feels uncertain. As one reviewer noted: "In a culture that emphasizes reliance on ourselves, I found Promised Hope to be incredibly comforting. Michelle reminds us that all God's promises find their 'yes' in Jesus, our one true hope."
"Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence" - Readers have called this "a comfort to my bleeding heart" and "the antidote for our minds, body, and soul." One Bible study leader with 30+ years of experience said: "This is at the top of my list to recommend... Michelle has a gentle story-telling style that invites readers to reflect even as they dig deeper into Scripture." Discover how to find true rest for your soul, even in chaotic seasons. As one reader beautifully put it: "Come find the rest that we all so desperately need."
Even if you've already read one of my books, maybe it's time to pull them out again. Sometimes we need to revisit God's promises in a fresh season. And please—help me spread the word about these books. I'm grateful for every share, every recommendation, every time you tell a friend. In times like these, we all need reminders of God's faithfulness.
Both books are available on Amazon or through Concordia Publishing House.
Peace in His Presence Podcast: Join me weekly for deeper conversations about finding God's peace in everyday life. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Need Someone to Walk Alongside You?
I wonder what emotions you might be carrying today, waiting to be heard.
What if someone really saw you? Not just the carefully arranged exterior, but the beautiful complexity beneath? What would it feel like to have your thoughts and feelings valued, held tenderly without judgment or quick solutions?
This is what sacred space feels like. And this is what I offer.
Maybe you're navigating the terrain of adult children, trying to figure out where the boundaries lie. Perhaps you're staring at an empty nest, wondering "what now?" Or you might be watching your parents age, feeling overwhelmed by thoughts of "I can't handle this."
I'm opening my calendar for a limited number of free 50-minute consultations, and they're filling quickly. The next couple of weeks will be full with getting ready for my son’s wedding but feel free to book one for in July.
This is your invitation to experience what it's like to have someone walk alongside you as you process your thoughts, emotions, and the actions they're creating in your life. No strings attached—just a genuine opportunity to be heard, seen, and valued.
Imagine walking away from our time together with a clearer understanding of how your thoughts are creating your current reality, one powerful shift in perspective that could change everything, and a sense of what's possible when you process emotions rather than package them away.
I'm already holding space for you, even before we meet.
✝️➡️[RESERVE YOUR SACRED SPACE]✝️
Come Find Me in Omaha!
Speaking of gathering together, I'm counting down the days until we meet in Omaha! The excitement is building as the LWML Convention approaches! I can hardly wait to see which dear friends will be there - both the familiar faces I've missed and the new sisters in Christ I haven't met yet.
You'll find me hanging out at the Concordia Publishing House booth signing books, giving hugs (lots of hugs!), and soaking up all the fellowship. They'll have copies of "Promised Hope" and "Promised Rest"!
My official signing times: • Thursday: 10:00-11:00 a.m. & 3:00-4:00 p.m. • Friday: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
But let's be honest - I'll probably be lingering around the booth at other times too because I just love connecting with you all! If you find me there, I have a special gift waiting for you! And please—introduce me to your friends. I'd love to meet them, and I have gifts for them too!
Please tell your friends about my books. I'm grateful for every share and every person who helps spread the word about finding peace in God's faithfulness.
Walking alongside you in God’s peace and joy,
Michelle
Very helpful Michelle!