Weekly Faith & Home Devotional: Overcome Busy Schedules
As the holiday season gets closer, life starts to feel busier, even before anything officially begins. Schedules change, stores get crowded, and you may feel pressure to do more, plan more, and be more prepared.
WEEK 1 – OVERCOME BUSY SCHEDULES
It may feel like there is no way to overcome busy schedules, that if we just get ‘through’ the holidays, the new year will bring us a slower schedule.
What if we didn’t need to wait until after the new year to feel at peace with our schedules? Peace is something God hands us, right in the middle of everything.
Sometimes I forget that. I jump into a day already carrying tension, when all God wants is for me to pause long enough to feel His presence again. Even just a few seconds of stillness and recentering can reset the whole day.
Scripture for the Week
“My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled.” — John 14:27
This verse is such a good reminder that Jesus isn’t asking us to create peace; He’s just asking us to receive the peace He’s already offering.
No matter how busy our schedules seem, He is with us and can give us peace. I love asking for clarity in challenging situations and for guidance on how to adjust to stay centered and at peace.
A Simple Soul Tip
Take five quiet minutes today to sit without your phone, without a task list, and without an agenda. Put your hand on your heart, breathe deeply, and ask God to fill you with His peace for the week ahead.
Weekly Simple Home Tip
Clear one small surface.
Choose a nightstand, your bathroom counter, or the end table by your couch. Wipe it down and leave only what you truly want there.
A single clear space in your home can bring surprising peace to your mind.
A Little Encouragement
You don’t need a ‘perfect home’ or a perfect holiday season to feel God close to you. I can understand wanting to make sure we make the most of the season and experience everything we can.
Do only what you feel is necessary, what makes you happy, and enjoy the small moments.
Each holiday season, I adjust how much I want to decorate. Decide how many activities I really want to participate in? When our kids are smaller, it is busier. There are some things we just have to do. But we don’t have to do it all; some things are optional.
If you find yourself comparing yourself to others with how much you do, or can get done, or participate in, know that whatever you decide is perfect for YOU. Don’t worry about what others are doing.
I did this as a young mom, and it felt good once I started saying no to things, enjoying my family time more, and taking more time for myself. Busy isn’t better, it’s just more.
If your energy thrives off of activities, that’s perfect! If you need time to recharge and not fill your schedule, that’s perfect too.
You don’t need to have the perfect schedule, decorations, or home. With God, He can direct your path, keep you refreshed, and take away doubts you have about adjusting your busy schedule.
Prayer for Overcoming Busyness
Lord, help me slow down and see what truly matters.
Please give me discernment to know what is essential and the courage to let go of what isn’t.
I pray You will remove guilt when I choose rest or simplicity.
Fill my mind with Your peace, my heart with Your presence, and my day with Your guidance.
Help me, Lord, to walk through this week with clarity, calm, and trust in You.
Amen.
