Overcoming Emotional OverwhelmSample

When the Heat Still Persists, Where Will You Let Your Heart Dwell?

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

Even when we’re doing all the right things—acknowledging our feelings, discerning the truth, deciding to trust God in obedience—it doesn’t mean the “fire” fueling our emotional overwhelm disappears.

When the breakthrough doesn’t come and the situation doesn’t change, the pressure of life can still feel incredibly intense, right?

So how can we live with emotional confidence when life’s ongoing stress still tempts us toward overwhelm?

Let me explain by using an analogy. Picture this: You’re a pot of water on a stove. The water inside represents your emotions. The fire underneath? That’s your circumstances.

Friend, your job is not to remove the fire but to monitor what’s happening inside the pot.

Sometimes the heat is low and emotions simmer quietly in the background, and other times the flame roars and the emotions threaten to spill over the edge.

This is when emotional confidence becomes less about calming down in the moment and more about where you emotionally dwell in the waiting.

In 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Paul offers a beautiful prayer: “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (NLT)

Let’s break that down:

• God is the one doing the leading. You’re not navigating this alone.
• He’s guiding your heart—your thoughts, emotions, and inner world—on purpose.
• And where is He leading them? Into a better understanding of His love and of Christ’s endurance.

When the heat is still on and you’re feeling tempted to spiral back into overwhelm, this is the invitation: Let your emotions land somewhere solid.

It’s OK to recognize the pain and walk through the acknowledge, discern and decide steps if you need a reminder. Ultimately, choose to fix your thoughts on the promise of His love and of the gifts of sanctification through endurance.

Even when the flame stays high... your water doesn’t have to boil over. Moment by moment, choose to let your thoughts dwell in truth instead of turmoil.

I’ve so enjoyed this time with you in God’s Word. Can we close in prayer together?

God, thank You for walking with me through every emotion, not just the ones I understand but also the ones that still feel messy and unresolved. When life turns up the heat and I’m tempted to spiral, help me remember that You are still in control. Lead my heart to dwell in Your love and Your endurance. Show me how to stay grounded in truth even when the breakthrough doesn’t come. I trust You to steady the waters inside of me, one moment at a time. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What is one emotion that keeps resurfacing while you’re waiting for a breakthrough?

2. Where have your emotions been dwelling, and what would it look like to let your heart rest in God’s love and endurance instead?

Today’s Emotional Management Tool: “Choose Your Dwelling” Visual Anchor

Grab a sticky note or small card and write this phrase on it: “Even here, I choose to dwell in love + endurance.”

Consider adding a visual to this truth, such as a certain location where you feel safe, calm, and protected, such as a mountain or beach setting.

Place this written truth (along with any imagery you may choose to incorporate) somewhere you’ll see it regularly, such as your bathroom mirror, in a journal, on your phone lock screen, or on the dashboard of your car.

When emotional overwhelm threatens to take over, first recognize that it makes sense, but then pause to ask: Am I dwelling in truth or spiraling in fear? What would it look like to stay grounded in God's love and patience endurance right now?

You may still feel the heat. But this tool helps you to know where to rest your thoughts as you monitor the temperature inside the pot.

If this devotional has resonated with you, I'd be honored to explore this topic further with you in my book Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture. Grab your copy now wherever books are sold and let's continue learning together about how to calm overwhelm and partner with God to manage emotions.

I also encourage you to listen to my podcast The Christian Mindset Coach, and to connect with me at my website AliciaMichelle.com, or on social media.