251 How to Find Mental Rest and Calm Your Racing Thoughts

Episode Summary:  Do you ever have difficulty calming your racing mind when life is stressful? Do you lay awake at night, unable to tame your thoughts so you can sleep? Do the stresses of life tempt you to fall into the trap of second-guessing yourself or others? Then you’ll be glad you tuned in to today’s episode where Alicia Michelle and I share how to find mental rest and calm your racing thoughts. Quotables from the episode: Our busyness, perfectionism, and people pleasing often originates with core negative soundtracks that play in our minds from early childhood. Our tendency to push our bodies and our minds beyond what is reasonable, is often fueled by our desire to answer three questions: Am I enough? Am I loved? Am I worthy? Mental rest starts with giving ourselves permission to have space and margin in our lives. To achieve the most benefit from mental rest, we must consider times of daily mental rest as well as extended periods of mental rest when we pull away from all the mental demands that run our life. In seeking periods of rest, ask God to direct your steps. His ways are higher and better, and He knows what we most need. We can’t make the “rest of God” happen, but we can position ourselves to be receptive and receive his rest.   Scripture References: Psalm 23:2-3 He lets me rest in green meadows, he leads me beside peaceful streams, He renews my strength, He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. (NLT)  Isaiah 30:15-16, 18 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it... You said, 'No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.' But the only witness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you! So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (NLT)  Psalm 94:19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (NLT)    Recommended Resources:  Break Free from Feeling Never Enough Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Guest and Host: Connect with Alicia Michelle: Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Alicia Michelle is a certified mindset coach, speaker, Bible study author and award- winning podcast host of the top-ranked The Christian Mindset Coach Podcast. Through her coaching and courses (and by the power of the Holy Spirit), she equips Christian women with practical biblically-based tools to break free from the worry and exhaustion of perfectionism, people pleasing and performance that come from feeling “never enough”.    Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.