As I placed my key into the ignition—and started my car alone, in the dark, after an 11-hour day—I took a deep breath. Inhale, exhale, repeat. On this particular day, I felt as though I had not paused to breath since I rose from my bed so many hours before. For the past week, life had spiraled into a state of turbulence and unrest. My responsibilities at work felt overwhelming, my commitments after work felt unmanageable and my relationship with my wife felt incomplete. I had lost control of my life.

Have you ever experienced these feelings of hopelessness and desperation? Maybe, as you settle into your office chair before your co-workers, you wonder if you’ll ever meet your boss’ expectations. You barely have the energy to survive the morning, yet alone the evening ahead. Or maybe, as you drive your children from school to soccer practice to play rehearsal to the other commitments on their busy agenda, you question if you’ll ever experience normalcy again. At home, your kids run the show, and you feel as though you’ve lost control of your own schedule.

In these moments, I often feel powerless as I scramble for the strength to carry on. But the more I reach for stability, the more hopeless I feel. Another project lands on my desk, and I wonder if I’ll ever complete my to-do list. Another family event pops up, and I wonder I’ll disappoint those closest to me if I don’t attend. Another unexpected expense arises, and I wonder if I’ll ever start meeting my monthly budget. I so badly want to rule my own life, but these circumstances—which almost always lay beyond my control—take charge. I feel defeated.

In times like these, when I feel defenseless against the twists and turns of life, I want to step away from my busyness and seek God through Scripture. I want to fully trust in him as I pursue an escape from my anxiety. And I want to experience his peace in the midst of circumstances I can’t control.

Meditate on these five Bible verses as you seek your own peace today:

1. John 16:33 (GNTD)
   I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!
2. Romans 15:13 (GNTD)
   May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (GNTD)
   May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.
4. John 14:27 (GNTD)
   Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.
5. Psalm 29:11 (GNTD)
   The Lord gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace.