Settle in

If you’re feeling panicked, take a moment to hit the pause button. Mute the chaos by taking a deep breath. Ask God to quiet your mind, steady your heart, and remind you that he’s in control.

Thought starter

Panic is a liar. It magnifies fear and minimizes faith. Self-control is a gift. It helps us pause, pray, and press on.

Panic says: “You’re not enough.”
Despair says: “You’ll never change.”
But God says: “I’m giving you power, love, and self-control.”

God’s Spirit equips us to respond, not react.

Here’s what we’ll learn in this Quick Quiet Time:

• Self-control is important for growing and moving forward.
• God’s strength helps us handle the storms of our lives instead of panicking.

Don’t despair. Control yourself. Keep moving forward.

Scripture reflection:

Read 2 Timothy 1:7 slowly. Then read it again. Let it sink in. This is our foundation:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

God’s Spirit gives us…

⚡… power to face storms.
❤️… love to drive us closer to others.
➡️… self-discipline to keep moving forward.

Brain dump

Name the noise. Get distracting thoughts out of your head and onto the page before moving forward (e.g., “I’m overwhelmed,” “I feel stuck,” “I’m afraid of failing”).

Write down the three biggest emotions you are feeling right now:

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Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Proverbs 25:28 NIV

But you should control yourself at all times. When troubles come, accept them. Do the work of telling the Good News. Do all the duties of a servant of God.

2 Timothy 4:5 ERV 

Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are hard. After they have come through hard times, this person will receive a crown. The crown is life itself. The Lord has promised it to those who love him.

James 1:12 NIrV

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

The Bible tells us that self-control helps us…

• … master our emotions: Without self-control, our emotions break us. With self-control, we stay grounded and composed, no matter what comes.
• … embrace adversity: Troubles will come, but they are not roadblocks—they are part of the journey. Accept them with grace and grow through them.
• … have joy through perseverance: If we keep going even when times are hard, we end up blessed and find happiness. 
• …keep pressing forward: Self-control helps us let go of what’s behind and stay focused on the path ahead, pursuing the purpose God has set before us.

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Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.

Galatians 5:22-23 NCV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 NIV

Lightbulb moment:

Getting strength from God and his Word helps us calm any panic and get through any storm.

• We were never meant to live in panic.
• God’s Spirit is our power source.
• We’ve got this, because he’s got us.

Pray

“God, I’ve been letting fear lead me. Help me remember that your Spirit gives me power, love, and self-discipline. I surrender my panic to you and commit to taking the next step forward in your peace.”

Bring the inspiration with you

Save this phone wallpaper to remind you to hit pause today!