Job searching, moving to a new home, starting a family—have you recently gone through some of these life-altering transitions?

During the past year, many of these situations snuck into my life. I changed positions at my company, relocated to a new home and continued classes toward my college degree, all while dealing with my usual day-to-day stress. As you can imagine, life has felt a little chaotic. I have endured more transition in the last 12 months than any other year of my life.

All of this chaos has caused my mind to run nonstop, asking questions like: Have I finished everything I need to finish at work? What will happen next? Will life ever calm down? Will everything go back to “normal”?

During these times, I have found solitude in praying to God—and giving every worry, every fear and every concern to him. Praying has provided a safe, calming refuge in the chaos of life. It has provided hope when I feel hopeless. And it has provided a reminder that God loves me and carries my burdens, just as Psalm 68:19 tells me: “Praise the Lord, who carries our burdens day after day; he is the God who saves us” (GNTD).

As you navigate the rough seas of life, meditate on these five Psalms. And lean on him when you need a peaceful hideaway from overwhelming stress.

  1. Psalm 9:9-10 (GNTD)
    The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a place of safety in times of trouble. Those who know you, Lord, will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you.
  2. Psalm 34:17-19 (GNTD)
    The righteous call to the Lord, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all;
  3. Psalm 56:3-4 (GNTD)
    When I am afraid, O Lord Almighty, I put my trust in you. I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me?
  4. Psalm 55:22 (GNTD)
    Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated.
  5. Psalm 16:8 (GNTD)
    I am always aware of the Lord’s presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me.