“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” - Isaiah 26:3 ESV
When I wake up in the morning, and my feet hit the floor, I am always on the move, trying to accomplish the endless tasks on my to-do list. How much time do I have to get the kids to school on time, get to work, cook dinner, attend ministry/community events, nurture my marriage, and squeeze a little time in for self-care? Often, I measure how “good” a day was by how many things I can accomplish and check off my list. When I reflect at the end of the day, most of my day was spent frantically rushing to complete the next task or appointment, trying to maximize every minute and accomplish as much as possible. Exhausted by my endless pursuits to accomplish daily tasks, I often feel defeated because I didn’t finish them all. While I make incremental progress daily, I often focus more on what didn’t get accomplished. I always want more time.
If you’re like me, life is full of deadlines, schedules, and ongoing commitments, and you feel like you’re racing to the next thing like a world-class sprinter. Some days, you are keeping up, and many times, you feel like you’re treading water. Amidst life’s endless demands and sprints to the next task, it’s easy to feel like you’re always in a rush and never have enough time to pause, breathe, and experience God’s peace. Experiencing God’s peace doesn’t mean there are no deadlines to meet or places to go; it means we can have peace because we know God is ordering our steps. We can slow our pace and trust that God will give us everything we need to continue running the race set before us. Many times, we rush or feel pressed for time because we believe we are the only ones who can get it done.
Whatever season you find yourself in, I encourage you to release the pressure to get everything done and to receive God’s peace available to your mind.
You too may often think, “If I just had more time…” More time to rest… more time to take care of me. More time to accomplish a project. We are always moving the goalposts back, and we will never be fully content with the time we are given. How are you being a good steward of the time that God has given? Instead of wanting to accomplish more in a day, reallocate some of the time to spending quality time with God, family, and friends, and to cultivating relationships with those who matter most. My mind is constantly racing, and finding mental rest and peace is difficult at times because I’m measuring time by how much I can get done. We can experience God’s peace more when we surrender to God’s sovereignty.
- When we begin to relinquish control and surrender more to God’s timetable, we are reminded that God is in complete control and that God will equip us with everything we need to accomplish God’s purposes.
- When we are always in a rush, we are less likely to experience the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
- When we focus on wanting more time, we lose sight of the One who is ordering our steps. Let’s begin to shift our mindset from needing more time to celebrating and praising God who sustains us daily.
Amidst our ongoing life demands, be encouraged that we can release the pressure of having to get one more thing done before the day is over. As we loosen our grip on the relentless desire to complete more tasks, we can rest peacefully, knowing that there are no deadlines in God’s timing. Today, I encourage you to exchange pressure for God’s peace and know that God will equip you with all you need to accomplish God’s purposes. Keep your eyes fixed on God and not the clock.
Let's Pray…
Dear God,
When I feel pressed for time, and there are not enough hours in the day, remind me that You have all the time in Your hands. Please help me to surrender control and realign my focus back to You. Help me to be a good steward of the time and resources You have given. When I'm anxious about not getting it all done, reassure me that You will equip me with all that I need to do Your will. Thank you for helping me exchange my hurried pace for Your peaceful presence.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Greg Shield
Related Resource: The Blind Spots Hurting Your Relationships
In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Debra Fileta for an honest and insightful conversation about the relationship blind spots many of us don’t realize we have. Together, they explore how emotional patterns, past wounds, and unrecognized habits can quietly shape the way we connect with others.
Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection.
If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Tuesday, 06 October 2026.
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