How to Stay the Course When Life Feels Hectic

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when life hands us unexpected curve balls (and, for most of us, this year has definitely included some of those). When life gets hectic, it can be tempting to want to fix it all (and to feel discouraged when we can’t) – but, a lot of the time, the best we can do is to stay grounded, stay grateful, and trust the path that’s been laid out for us. That can be easier said than done, but there are plenty of small, doable steps that you can start incorporating into your routine right away in order to stay in tune with your purpose and walk confidently into your future. Let’s dive into a few of them.

Whether prayer is a part of your daily routine or something you haven’t turned to in years, it’s never the wrong time to share what’s on your heart with God. You don’t have to feel embarrassed if it’s been a while. You don’t have to earn the right to pray. What matters is that you’re doing it now. Over the course of a few days and weeks, try to make a habit of turning to prayer as a first response rather than a last resort. Taking even just a minute or two out of your day to express your worries, appreciate your blessings, and seek out grace isn’t just a great way to clear your mind and strengthen your spirit – it can also be a form of meditation. Medical professionals have talked by and large about the benefits of simply sitting and reflecting, technology-free, for a few minutes every day. Prayer is a wonderful way to do that.

The times when we feel uncertain and overwhelmed are often the times when we benefit most from taking a second to reflect on the best parts of our lives. Actively incorporate expressing gratitude into your daily routine. Whether that means thanking your spouse for a small act of service, like doing the dishes or grocery shopping, or patting yourself on the back for accomplishing a goal for the day, is up to you – what matters is giving yourself room to recognize the small blessings that come into your life every day, even on the hardest days.

Service isn’t something we have to do; it’s something we get to do. Acts of service – however small – bring such a great sense of peace and joy. Service that makes a big impact doesn’t have to take a huge amount of time. If it brings a smile to someone’s face or helps to make their day a little brighter, it’s enough. We model Jesus when we give, whether it’s our time, our talent, or our treasure, and regardless of how much we can. When life feels hectic and out of control, rest assured that you always have the power to emulate the ultimate role model and make the world a little kinder.

When things are tough, we benefit from connecting with the people who matter to us. Try giving that friend a call or hosting a virtual family game night. Being intentional about cherishing our time with the people we love is a great way to stay grounded and grateful.

Community is one of the most important things we can find, and it’s up to us to seek communities that bring out the best in ourselves. Technology has made it easier than ever to find people whose paths align with yours and to stay connected. No matter where you are, it’s possible to find a community that welcomes, impacts, and inspires you. We aren’t created to go through life alone – and we never are. Our greatest needs are fulfilled partially in people but perfectly in God. Even in the loneliest of times, you’re never alone.

Show up – for yourself, for your family, and for the unique path that God has in mind for you – even when it’s hard. Even when you’re discouraged and uncertain. In the most hectic times, finding peace can feel like the ultimate goal. In reality, peace isn’t something to chase; it’s a byproduct of following God’s plan. When life gets hectic, it can feel like the solution is to keep going, going, going – but that’s only effective if you know in your heart that you’re going in the right direction. Pray about your uncertainties, celebrate your blessings, dedicate even the smallest amounts of time and resources to helping others, and seek out a community whose values align with yours. In doing so, you’ll establish an important pattern of showing up for yourself, your community, and for God’s plan for you. We find peace when we show up.

When life feels hectic, the best we can do is use the tools we’ve been given by God to stay the course, follow His plan, and show up for ourselves and for Him. The thing is, you can show up from anywhere. Radiant Online’s virtual services bring life-giving worship right to your living room. Tune in to watch us live next Sunday!