Peace in His Presence: Hope for the Anxious Heart

Do you lie awake at night with racing thoughts you can't turn off? Are you exhausted from worry, overwhelmed by what-ifs, and struggling to trust God when fear feels louder than faith? Friend, you're not broken. Your brain is stuck in well-worn worry ruts — and God's word can change that. I'm Michelle Diercks, Master Certified Christian Life Coach, author, and speaker. For over seven years I've helped anxious women and overwhelmed Christians find real, practical relief from worry, fear, shame, and the exhausting cycle of trying to control everything. Each episode combines proven coaching tools, neuroscience, and the truth of Scripture to help you break free from anxious thoughts and find rest — even at 3 AM. This is for you if you're tired of overthinking, carrying burdens that aren't yours, or feeling like your faith should fix your anxiety but somehow it isn't. You'll find honest conversation, practical tools, and the kind of hope that holds even when everything feels uncertain. You don't have to hold the universe together. That job is already taken — by the One who loves you, knows you, and calls you by name.

When Life Feels Overwhelming | God Walks With You (Isaiah 43) 03/03/2026

When Life Feels Overwhelming | God Walks With You (Isaiah 43) Maybe you've had the phone call you weren't expecting. The diagnosis. The season you didn't choose. Maybe you're watching someone you love suffer and there's nothing you can do to fix it. Maybe you're just bone-tired from carrying more than you were ever meant to carry. Whatever brought you here today — you are welcome. You don't have to have it together. You just have to show up. About This Episode Isaiah 43 opens with words God spoke to a people in exile — people who were far from home, overwhelmed, and wondering if God had forgotten them. And before anything else, before the command not to fear, God says something deeply personal: "I have called you by name. You are mine." Not mom. Not the strong one. Not your role or your title. By your name. In this guided meditation, Michelle walks slowly and tenderly through Isaiah 43, pairing its promises with gentle breathing and grounding to help your overwhelmed heart receive what is already true about you. This is not a promise of a pain-free life. It is a promise of presence. When you pass through the waters, God doesn't say swim harder. He says: I will be with you. What You'll Experience in This Episode • Gentle breathing and grounding to help an overwhelmed nervous system slow down • A slow, unhurried walk through Isaiah 43 and its promises • Honest space for grief, loss, and the seasons that feel like fire • The reminder that overwhelm is not proof you lack faith — it is proof you are human • A closing invitation to breathe in His faithfulness and breathe out your striving A Key Truth from This Episode Isaiah 43 says: "When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." Notice — God does not say if. He says when. He doesn't promise the fire won't come. He promises He walks into it with you. "The same Lord who stood in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walks with you." Jesus did not avoid the fire. He entered it. And because He did, the fire does not have the final word over you. Not the water. Not the flame. Not the diagnosis. Not the outcome. Christ does. And this: overwhelm is not proof that you lack faith. It is proof that you are human. And you are not walking through it alone. When to Listen to This Episode • When you've received news that has turned your world upside down • When grief is sitting heavy and you don't have words • When a season of life feels like too much and you can't catch your breath • When you're watching someone you love walk through something hard • When you need to be reminded: you are created, redeemed, and called by name More from the Be Still Series This episode is part of a growing collection of scripture-centered meditations for anxious hearts. Each one focuses on a different name of God and a different passage of Scripture, pairing His promises with gentle breathing and grounding exercises. When worry feels bigger than you can carry, Psalm 91 invites you into the shelter of El Shaddai — the all-sufficient God. A meditation for weary, worried hearts who need to set down what they've been carrying. Perfect for: Anxiety, overwhelm, and the weight of things you cannot fix. For the 2 AM moments when your mind won't stop. Psalm 121 holds a steady promise for restless nights: the one who keeps you will not slumber. When you cannot sleep, He is not asleep. Perfect for: Sleepless nights and the worry that wakes you in the dark. Scripture Featured in This Episode • Isaiah 43:1 — Fear not, I have called you by name, you are mine • Isaiah 43:2 — When you pass through the waters, I will be with you • Isaiah 43:3 — I am the Lord your God, your Savior Connect with Michelle If this episode resonated with you, Michelle would love to connect. She offers free 50-minute coaching consultations — real conversations where you can talk about what's going on and explore tools that might help. No strings attached. Michelle's Books Promised Rest and Promised Hope — both go deep into the names of God and how He meets us in our most anxious moments. You can find them on Amazon. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/40295625

Can’t Sleep Worrying? Psalm 121 for Peace at Night 03/03/2026

Can’t Sleep Worrying? Psalm 121 for Peace at Night It's the middle of the night. Your mind is moving. Your heart is racing. Your body just won't settle — even though you know you need sleep, even though you've prayed, even though you trust God. You're not alone. And you're not failing. This episode is for you — the one lying awake in the dark, scanning for danger that may never come, carrying worry about someone or something you cannot control. About This Episode Psalm 121 was written for travelers on a road — people who didn't know what waited around the next bend. Maybe that feels familiar. Maybe lately you've been lifting your eyes to the hills, watching, wondering: where does my help come from? In this gentle guided meditation, Michelle Derricks walks slowly through Psalm 121, pairing each promise with unhurried breathing and soft grounding to help your body receive what your heart already believes. "When you cannot sleep, he is not asleep. When you wake in the night, he is already awake." The Lord is your keeper. He is not distracted. He is not weary. He is not looking the other way. He keeps your coming and going — from this time forth and forevermore. What You'll Experience in This Episode • Gentle breathing and grounding to quiet a racing mind and restless body • A slow, unhurried walk through Psalm 121 and its promises • Honest space for the question: what about the harm that has already happened? • The assurance that God keeps not just your circumstances, but your soul • A closing invitation to release your striving and rest in His faithfulness A Key Truth from This Episode Psalm 121 doesn't promise a pain-free life. We live in a broken world, and hard things happen. But here is what it does promise: a kept life. A guarded life. A life held in the hands of a God who never stops watching over your soul. "Evil does not have the final word over you. Fear does not have the final word. Christ does." In your baptism, you were joined to the one who conquered sin, death, and the grave. You are marked as his own — kept in his mercy and grace. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can snatch you from his hand. When to Listen to This Episode • When you wake at 2 or 3 AM and your mind won't stop • When you're lying in bed rehearsing every possible outcome • When you're worrying about a child, a diagnosis, or something you cannot control • When your body is exhausted but your nervous system is still on high alert • Any time you need a steady, gentle voice to remind you — you are kept More from the Be Still Series This episode is part of a growing collection of scripture-centered meditations for anxious hearts. Each one focuses on a different name of God and a different passage of Scripture, pairing His promises with gentle breathing and grounding. When worry feels bigger than you can carry, Psalm 91 invites you into the shelter of El Shaddai — the God who is all-sufficient. This meditation is for the weary ones, the worried ones, and anyone who needs to set down what they've been carrying. Perfect for: Overwhelming anxiety and the weight of things you cannot fix. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." This meditation holds space for grief, transition, and the seasons that feel like fire. You are created, redeemed, and called by name — and you are not walking through it alone. Perfect for: Seasons of loss, overwhelm, or major life transitions. Scripture Featured in This Episode • Psalm 121:1-2 — I lift my eyes to the hills; my help comes from the Lord • Psalm 121:3-4 — He who keeps you will not slumber • Psalm 121:5-8 — The Lord will keep your going out and coming in forevermore Connect with Michelle If this episode resonated with you, Michelle would love to connect. She offers free 50-minute coaching consultations — real conversations where you can talk about what's going on and explore tools that might help. No strings attached. Michelle's Books Promised Rest and Promised Hope — both go deep into the names of God and how He meets us in our most anxious moments. You can find them on Amazon. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/40295535

Rest from Anxiety | Bible Verses for When You Feel Overwhelmed (Psalm 91) 03/03/2026

Rest from Anxiety | Bible Verses for When You Feel Overwhelmed (Psalm 91) Are you carrying something heavy right now? Maybe it's fear about someone's health. Maybe it's worry about your finances, your children, or the weight of everything happening in the world — things you cannot fix no matter how hard you try. This episode is a place to slow down, breathe, and remember who holds you. This guided meditation on Psalm 91 is part of the Be Still Series on the Peace in His Presence podcast — scripture-centered meditations designed for the moments when you know what's true, but your body hasn't settled down yet. About This Episode Psalm 91 opens with a stunning invitation: "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Dwell. Rest. These aren't words of striving — they're words of receiving. In this episode, Michelle Derricks walks you gently through Psalm 91 with unhurried breathing, grounding, and the promises of God's Word. The name of God highlighted here is El Shaddai — the God who is all-sufficient, the one whose grace is enough for this moment and every moment that follows. "You don't have to be enough. El Shaddai is enough for you." This isn't a meditation for people who have it all together. It's for the weary ones. The worried ones. The ones who are tired of trying to hold everything together. What You'll Experience in This Episode • Gentle breathing and grounding to help your body settle before receiving God's Word • A slow, unhurried walk through Psalm 91 and its promises • An introduction to El Shaddai — what this name of God means and why it matters for your anxiety • A practice of releasing what you've been trying to control • The Be Still Prayer to close — moving from striving to simply resting in His presence A Key Truth from This Episode Psalm 91 says God promises: "I will be with you in trouble." Not if trouble comes — when it comes. He doesn't promise a pain-free life. He promises presence. And that presence is not distant or distracted. If you are standing in someone's shadow, you are very close to them. El Shaddai isn't far away watching you struggle. He is near enough that his presence covers you. "You are not alone in what you're facing." When to Listen to This Episode This meditation was created for specific moments — you don't have to wait for a quiet Sunday morning. Listen: • In the morning, before your thoughts begin racing • In the middle of the day when you feel tightness in your chest or shoulders • At night when you can't sleep and worry has taken over • Whenever you need your nervous system to remember what your heart already knows More from the Be Still Series This episode is part of a growing collection of scripture-centered meditations designed for anxious hearts. Each one focuses on a different name of God and a different passage of Scripture, pairing God's promises with gentle breathing and grounding exercises. For the 2 AM moments when your mind is moving and your heart is racing. Psalm 121 was written for travelers who didn't know what waited around the next bend. Its message is simple and steady: the one who keeps you will not slumber. When you cannot sleep, he is not asleep. Perfect for: Sleepless nights and the worry that wakes you in the dark. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." God doesn't say if — he says when. This meditation holds space for seasons of overwhelm, grief, and uncertainty. You are created, redeemed, and called by name. You are not walking through the fire alone. Perfect for: Seasons of transition, loss, or when life feels like too much. Scripture Featured in This Episode • Psalm 91:1-2 — Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High • Psalm 91:15 — I will be with you in trouble • El Shaddai — God Almighty, the All-Sufficient One Connect with Michelle If this episode resonated with you, Michelle would love to connect. She offers free 50-minute coaching consultations — real conversations where you can talk about what's going on and explore tools that might help. No strings attached. Michelle's Books Promised Rest and Promised Hope — both go deep into the names of God and how He meets us in our most anxious moments. You can find them on Amazon. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/40295420

You Trust God — So Why Does Your Body Still Feel Anxious? 03/03/2026

You Trust God — So Why Does Your Body Still Feel Anxious? Have you ever noticed your stomach clenching, your shoulders tightening, or your chest going tight — even when you know God is in control? Even when you trust His promises? You're not spiritually defective. You're not failing at faith. There's actually a beautiful, science-backed reason your body responds the way it does — and in this episode, Michelle explains exactly what's happening and why it makes complete sense. What This Episode Is About In this deeply personal episode, Michelle shares a breakthrough moment that connected years of theological study, neuroscience learning, and her own experience as a mom navigating the empty nest season. She explores how a mother's nervous system becomes trained — over years of scanning for danger, listening for sounds in the night, cutting food into small pieces — to protect the ones she loves. And then one day, the kids leave. But the nervous system? It doesn't get the memo. "That dysregulation isn't a sign of weakness. It was love." Whether you're a mom watching your child drive off to college for the first time, a parent of grown kids you can no longer protect, or simply someone whose body feels anxious even when your heart trusts God — this episode will feel like grace upon grace. In This Episode You'll Discover • Why your nervous system stays on high alert long after the danger has passed • The science behind why you feel anxious even when you fully trust God — and why both can be true at the same time • Why Jesus isn't surprised by your nervous system — and isn't waiting for you to do better • Simple, practical tools to help your body settle when anxiety rises • How to move from shame and self-judgment to compassion for yourself Practical Tools Mentioned in This Episode Grounding — Plant Your Feet Press both feet firmly into the floor. This signals to your nervous system: I am not running. I am safe. Breath Reset Breathe in for a count of four. Breathe out for a count of six. When your exhale is longer than your inhale, your body begins to understand — we are not running from a bear. Your nervous system starts to settle. Color Scan Look around the room. Choose your favorite color. Find five objects in that color. When you are calmly observing your environment, your brain begins to register: there is no immediate threat here. Gentle Truth While your body settles, quietly remind yourself of what is real. God's Word renews the mind and reshapes neural pathways — but sometimes we need to help our bodies calm down enough to receive it. The Be Still Meditation Series Michelle created these three scripture-centered meditation episodes specifically for the moments when you know what's true — but your body hasn't caught up yet. Each one includes gentle breathing, grounding exercises, and the promises of God's Word. They're designed for early mornings, anxious afternoons, or sleepless nights. When worry feels bigger than you can carry, Psalm 91 reminds you of a shelter that was always yours. This meditation anchors you in El Shaddai — God Almighty, the all-sufficient one — who invites weary, worried people to dwell in his shadow. Not because they've gotten it together, but because they are his beloved children. Perfect for: When anxiety feels overwhelming and you need to set down what you've been carrying. For the 2 AM moments when your mind is moving and your heart is racing. Psalm 121 was written for travelers who didn't know what waited around the next bend — and it speaks directly to the mom who can't sleep worrying about her kids. The one who keeps you will not slumber. When you cannot sleep, he is not asleep. Perfect for: Sleepless nights, racing thoughts, and the worry that wakes you in the dark. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." God doesn't say if — he says when. This meditation holds space for the seasons of overwhelm, grief, and uncertainty, anchoring you in the truth that you are created, redeemed, and called by name. You are not walking through the fire alone. Perfect for: Seasons of transition, grief, overwhelm, or when you're walking through something that feels like fire. Scripture Referenced • Psalm 91 — Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High • Psalm 121 — The Lord is your keeper • Isaiah 43 — Fear not, I have called you by name Connect with Michelle If this episode resonated with you, Michelle would love to connect. She offers free 50-minute coaching consultations — real conversations where you can talk about what's going on and explore tools that might help. No strings attached. Michelle's Books Promised Rest and Promised Hope — both go deep into the names of God and how He meets us in our most anxious moments. You can find them on Amazon. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/40295360

Rest For Your Soul:When the World Feels Shaken 01/11/2026

Rest For Your Soul:When the World Feels Shaken Does your heart feel shaken right now? Social media feels like a war zone. The news is devastating. People you love are tearing each other apart. And you're already carrying your own heavy weight—relationship struggles, financial stress, health concerns, kids you're worried about. You go online looking for connection and find division instead. The weight just keeps getting heavier. If you're exhausted from trying to hold it all together, if you're weary of watching people fight, if you're searching for peace when the world feels like chaos—this episode is for you. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why your heart feels shaken (and why that's a normal human response to chaos) The powerful truth from Matthew 11:28-30 that Jesus spoke for moments exactly like this How to recognize when you're carrying weight you were never meant to carry The difference between feeling shaken and being shaken (Jesus is unshakeable even when you're not) Why "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) is more than a pretty phrase—it's your lifeline The REST framework: A 4-step process for laying down the weight you're carrying How to sit with Jesus in your heaviest emotions without being crushed by them Why you can hold both your real emotions AND God's unshakeable truth at the same time This Episode Is For You If: ✓ You feel overwhelmed by world events and don't know how to process it ✓ Social media is exhausting you instead of connecting you ✓ You're tired of watching people you love fight and divide ✓ You're carrying anxiety about the state of the world on top of your personal struggles ✓ You need permission to step back from the chaos and find rest ✓ You're searching for peace but don't know where to find it ✓ You want a Christian perspective that doesn't demand you pick a political side ✓ You're weary of trying to hold everything together alone ✓ You need to remember that Jesus is unshakeable even when you feel shaken What You'll Walk Away With: 🙏 Biblical Truth for Chaotic Times: Matthew 11:28-30 — "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest" Psalm 46 — "Be still and know that I am God" Hebrews 12:28 — "A kingdom that cannot be shaken" 🧠 The REST Framework: R - Recognize what you're carrying (name it honestly) E - Experience it in your body (feel where the weight sits) S - Sit with Jesus in it (bring it to your shelter) T - Trust the process (lay it at His feet) 💙 Permission You Need: You don't have to carry this weight alone It's okay that your heart feels heavy You can feel shaken and still trust the One who is unshakeable Rest isn't something you create—it's something you receive from Jesus You can step away from the chaos without stepping away from caring Featured Song Reference: "Rest for Your Soul" by Auston French Key lyric: "There is one who knows the heavy you hold" Key Scriptures: Matthew 11:28-30 — Jesus' invitation to the weary: "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Psalm 46:1-2, 10 — "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea... Be still, and know that I am God." Hebrews 12:28 — "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." Why This Message Matters Right Now: The world feels chaotic. Social media feels toxic. People are losing their minds. And you're already carrying your own personal weight. But here's the truth: You might feel shaken, but Jesus is not. He's not panicking. He's not doomscrolling. He's not wringing His hands wondering what's going to happen next. He is unshakeable. And He invites you to rest in Him. This episode doesn't tell you what to think about current events. It doesn't demand you pick a political side. It simply offers you what you desperately need: Rest for your weary soul. From the One who knows the heavy you hold. Connect With Michelle: If you're carrying weight that feels too heavy and you need someone to walk through it with you, I offer free 50-minute coaching consultations. These are real conversations where we can talk about what's weighing on your heart, and I can share tools that might help. More Episodes That Might Help: If this episode resonated with you, check out The Be Still Series (Episodes from September-December). It's a 10-episode journey through: Breaking anxiety spirals Processing emotions instead of just thinking about them Finding rest when everything feels out of control Learning to be still when the world won't be These episodes combine neuroscience, coaching tools, and Scripture to help you create new pathways from panic to peace. A Note from Michelle: Friends, I know your heart feels heavy. Mine does too. But Jesus is our shelter. He's our unshakeable kingdom. And He offers rest—not because we've figured it all out, but simply because He loves us. You don't have to carry this alone. Come to Him. Find rest for your soul. With love and prayers for your weary heart, Michelle /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/39690320

What To Do When Grief Shows Up 12/19/2025

The Wonders of His Love: When Christmas Feels Hard 12/13/2025

The Wonders of His Love: When Christmas Feels Hard Are you struggling to find joy this Christmas season? Maybe finances are tighter than usual. Maybe there's an empty chair at your table. Maybe you're exhausted from trying to make everything perfect when nothing feels right. You're not alone. In this episode, Michelle shares the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth - two women holding onto impossible promises - and a personal Christmas story that changed everything she thought about holiday perfection. You'll discover: Why God's promises are unshakeable even when your circumstances feel shaky How to find peace when Christmas doesn't match your expectations The surprising truth about what creates holiday stress (hint: it's not the circumstances) A simple breath prayer for anxious moments Where to find wonder when everything feels broken If you're feeling overwhelmed by holiday pressure, grieving during the festivities, or just trying to survive the season, this episode offers gentle hope and practical tools. Perfect for: Moms feeling guilty about not providing the "perfect" Christmas Anyone grieving a loss during the holidays People struggling with financial stress this season Those feeling anxious or overwhelmed by family gatherings Anyone who needs permission to let go of perfection Mentioned in This Episode: Join Michelle for a Special Advent Event: 📅 Peace Be Still: Advent Reflection Coaching by Candlelight December 15, 7:00 PM Central Time | Zoom Perfect if you're experiencing: Grief over an empty chair this Christmas Stress over family dynamics Pressure to make everything perfect Holiday drama you're dreading The mix of joy and sorrow this season brings What We'll Do Together: ✨ Share an Advent devotion to anchor in God's Word ✨ Guided journaling (prompts provided!) ✨ Group coaching through what's weighing on your heart Never experienced coaching? This is a gentle, beautiful introduction. Just bring an open heart. Need Support This Season? If you're carrying something heavy and need someone to hold space for you, Michelle offers free 50-minute consultations. In your session, you'll: Share what's weighing on your heart Receive practical tools you can use immediately Explore whether coaching might help you find peace this season No pressure. No sales pitch. Just genuine support. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/39394870

The Empty Chair: Coping with Grief During the Holidays 12/04/2025

The Empty Chair: Coping with Grief During the Holidays Are you dreading the holidays this year because someone won't be at your table? Maybe someone you love has died. Maybe your kids have grown up and moved away. Maybe traditions are changing and your heart is aching in ways you didn't expect. You're not alone. And you don't have to "get through" this season by gritting your teeth and pretending you're fine. In this episode, you'll discover: ✓ Why trying to plan or control your grief doesn't work (and what to do instead) ✓ How to process grief when it ambushes you unexpectedly—in the grocery store, looking at recipes, or decorating the tree ✓ Why you can feel grief AND joy at the same time (and why that's actually healthy) ✓ What Jesus's response to Lazarus's death teaches us about sitting with grief instead of rushing through it ✓ 7 practical tools for processing your emotions during the holidays (not just surviving them) ✓ What to say (and NOT say) if you're trying to comfort someone who's grieving ✓ How to acknowledge the empty chair without letting it destroy your peace The promise of this episode: You'll learn that grief doesn't need to be fixed—it needs to be felt. And when you give yourself permission to feel it, you make space for healing, hope, and the presence of God right in the middle of your pain. This episode is for you if: There's an empty chair at your table this year You're tired of people telling you to "stay positive" or "be grateful" You feel guilty for being sad during "the most wonderful time of the year" You don't know how to balance celebrating with grieving You're trying to help someone who's grieving and you don't know what to say You want tools to actually PROCESS your grief, not just survive the holidays What You'll Learn: Grief doesn't follow a plan - I share the story of my first Christmas without my Grandma Katherine and how God met me in a way I never expected when everything fell apart Grief ambushes us - The Walmart aisle moment that taught me we can't schedule when we'll feel our losses Traditions changing hurt - Why it's okay to grieve even when the person you love is alive and thriving (like when your kids grow up and move away) Jesus wept - What the story of Lazarus teaches us about God's response to our grief (spoiler: He doesn't rush us through it) The empty chair is real - How to acknowledge loss instead of ignoring it or stuffing it down 7 practical tools - Specific things you can do RIGHT NOW to process your grief in healthy ways Holding both joy and sorrow - Why your heart is big enough for both, and how to stop making yourself wrong for your feelings The anchor that holds - How Hebrews 6:19 and the name "Immanuel" remind us that God is WITH us in grief, not waiting on the other side of it Bible Verses Referenced: John 11:33-35 (Jesus weeping over Lazarus) Hebrews 6:19 (An anchor for the soul) Psalm 23:4 (The valley of the shadow of death) Free Resources: If you're struggling with grief this season and need someone to hold space with you, I'm offering free 50-minute coaching consultations. Sign up➡️ Connect with Michelle: Website: michellediercks.com Remember: Your grief isn't wrong. It's the message that you loved deeply. And you don't have to carry it alone. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/39282230

Remember This When You Wonder If You're Enough 11/23/2025

Remember This When You Wonder If You're Enough Do you struggle with feeling like you're not enough? Are you tired of comparing yourself to others and always coming up short? Does shame whisper that your past, your failures, or your struggles disqualify you from being loved by God? If you've ever wondered "why do I feel like I'm not good enough" or searched for Christian help for overcoming shame, this episode is for you. Today we look at the woman at the well in John 4 - a woman who was hiding in shame, coming to draw water alone at noon so no one would see her. But Jesus saw her. He knew her whole story - five husbands, the man she was living with now, all of it - and He didn't walk away. Instead, He chose HER to be the very first person He revealed Himself to as the Messiah. What does this mean for you when you feel unworthy of God's love? Everything. In this episode, I share my own struggle with shame and not feeling enough, we walk through what Jesus said to the woman at the well, and I teach you how God's Word can literally rewire the shame patterns in your brain. Science shows we think 80,000-90,000 thoughts a day - many of them negative. But Scripture can create new neural pathways, replacing those old shame ruts with truth. You'll Learn: Why shame makes you feel like everyone else has it together except you What Jesus really meant by "living water" and why it matters for your shame The difference between broken cisterns and the fountain of living water (Jeremiah 2:13) How your brain creates shame ruts - and how God's truth creates new pathways The Five Rs practice for replacing shame with biblical truth Bible verses for when you feel not enough Key Scriptures: John 4:1-42 (Woman at the Well) Jeremiah 2:13 (Broken Cisterns and Living Water) Romans 12:2 (Renewing Your Mind) Psalm 139:14 (Fearfully and Wonderfully Made) Romans 8:1 (No Condemnation) This Episode Is For You If: You constantly compare yourself to others You feel like you're not a good enough mom, wife, Christian, or woman Shame from your past keeps you hiding You wonder if God can really use someone like you You're exhausted from trying to measure up You want to know what the Bible says about shame and worth Resources Mentioned: /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/39135520

When You Struggle With Negative Thinking 11/04/2025

When Your Dreams Fall Apart: How God Meets You in the Middle 10/23/2025

When Your Dreams Fall Apart: How God Meets You in the Middle Are you in the middle of a broken dream right now? Wondering if God sees you, if healing will ever come, or if you'll survive this pain? In this episode, discover how God meets you exactly where you are—in the pacing, the tears, the unanswered questions. Learn how your brain creates thought ruts during grief and how God's Word can create new pathways to peace. Your broken places might be exactly where God's light will shine brightest. What You'll Discover in This Episode: If You're Living with a Broken Dream Right Now: You'll learn: Why your brain keeps replaying the same painful thoughts (and what you can do about it) How to recognize the "thought ruts" that are keeping you stuck in grief You'll discover: That showing up matters—even when you can't feel God's presence yet How God uses the "ordinary" (like Sunday worship) to do extraordinary healing work Why your breaking might be the beginning of something more beautiful than your original dream That healing isn't linear, instant, or neat—and that's okay You're not failing because you're still hurting If You're Wondering If Healing Will Ever Come: You'll gain hope that: God doesn't look at your broken pieces and shake His head in disappointment Your service, calling, or purpose isn't over just because this dream died Time + God's presence = transformation (even if it takes 26 years) The cracks in your story might become the most beautiful part God is doing Kintsugi work in your life right now—filling your broken places with His gold If You Need to Remember God's Faithfulness: You'll be reminded: God was faithful in your past—even when you couldn't see it at the time To look back and notice where He met you in your wilderness That He's been rewriting your thought patterns through His Word all along Your story isn't finished yet—God is still making all things new The places where you felt most broken are now where you have the most compassion for others This Episode Is For You If: ✓ You're grieving a ministry dream that didn't turn out the way you hoped ✓ You've experienced church hurt and wonder if you'll ever heal ✓ You're stuck in thought spirals about what you "should have" done differently ✓ You feel like a failure because your calling looked different than you planned ✓ You're exhausted from trying to hold everything together ✓ You need permission to grieve without rushing to "get over it" ✓ You're wondering if God can still use broken people (spoiler: He specializes in it) ✓ You're pacing your own kitchen table right now, processing pain too big for words ✓ You need to hear that you're not alone in the messy middle What Makes This Episode Different: This isn't about: Quick fixes or 3 easy steps to healing Pretending everything's fine when it's not Spiritual bypassing your real pain Comparison (her healing vs. your timeline) This IS about: God's patient, faithful presence in the long journey Permission to be human while trusting God Real tools (thought work, Be Still prayer, Scripture) that help Honest faith that makes room for grief AND hope Remembering you're God's beloved daughter, even in the breaking You'll Walk Away With: 🧠 Understanding of how your brain works: How "thought ruts" form and why they feel so permanent How God's Word literally rewires your neural pathways Tools to recognize when you're spiraling vs. when you're healing 💎 The Kintsugi Perspective: What this Japanese art teaches about redemption Why your cracks don't need to be hidden How breaking and mending are part of your story, not failures in your story Permission to see beauty in what feels ruined 🙏 Practical Prayer Tools: The Be Still Prayer using God's name "Yahweh Rafa" (The God Who Heals) How to receive what God offers when you don't feel worthy Where to find God when you can't sense His presence How to sit with grief without letting it become your identity 📖 Scripture That Anchors: Psalm 147:3 - "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" How to let God's Word create new pathways when old thoughts won't stop Why showing up to receive His gifts matters (even when you can't feel it working) Your Reflection Journey: As you listen, consider these questions: About Your Story: What dream are you grieving right now? What thought ruts has your brain created about what happened? Where have you been pacing your own "kitchen table"? About God's Presence: Looking back, where was God meeting you when you couldn't feel Him? What "ordinary" places has He used to do extraordinary healing work in your life? Where are you receiving His gifts right now (worship, communion, His Word)? About Your Future: What if your broken dream isn't the end of your story—just the middle? What if the cracks are exactly where God's light will shine brightest? What new thing might God be making that you can't see yet? Here's the Truth You Need to Hear: Your broken dream doesn't mean: ❌ You failed ❌ God is disappointed in you ❌ Your calling is over ❌ Something's wrong with you ❌ You should have done it differently ❌ You're too broken to be used Your broken dream might mean: ✓ God is doing something you can't see yet ✓ The gold is being prepared for your cracks ✓ Your most compassionate ministry is being birthed through your pain ✓ You're learning to trust instead of control ✓ Your story is becoming one only you can tell ✓ You're exactly where God can meet you most intimately What Happens Next: After you listen to this episode, you might: Feel seen and less alone in your grief Have language for what you've been experiencing ("thought ruts!") Notice where God has been present all along Feel permission to grieve without shame Have hope that healing is possible (even if it takes time) Want to look at your own story through the Kintsugi lens Feel ready to receive what God is offering you today Take the Next Step: If this episode resonates with you: 📧 Book a Free 50-Minute Coaching Session You don't have to walk through this alone. In our time together, we'll: Explore the thought patterns keeping you stuck Discover where God is meeting you right now Create practical tools using God's Word to build new neural pathways Hold space for your grief while moving toward hope These sessions alone have helped so many women. A Note from Michelle: Friend, if you're listening to this episode in the middle of your own broken dream—while you're pacing your kitchen table, crying in your car, or wondering if you'll survive this—I want you to know: You're not alone. God sees you. Your dream falling apart doesn't mean YOU'RE falling apart. The cracks are where the light gets in. I've been where you are. I know that soul-deep exhaustion of holding everything together. I know what it's like to wonder if God is even there when your prayers aren't answered the way you begged. And I can tell you from 26 years on the other side: He was there. He is here. He's doing Kintsugi work in your life right now, even if you can't see it yet. Your broken places are becoming your most beautiful. With love and hope for your journey, Michelle Featured Scripture: Psalm 147:3 - "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Revelation 21:5 - "I am making all things new." 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My power is made perfect in weakness." Resources Mentioned: Connect With Michelle: About Peace in His Presence: This podcast is a space where we pause together, take a deep breath, and rest in the truth of who God is and who we are in Him. Each episode walks through God's Word and real stories of His redemption, learning how to be still, notice His presence, and live from His promised joy. Your host, Michelle Diercks, is a Christian life coach, speaker, and author passionate about helping women move from anxiety to peace, from control to trust, and from broken dreams to beautiful purpose. Currently completing Master Coach certification, Michelle integrates faith, neuroscience, and practical tools for transformation. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/38750295

How to Process Emotions - What to Do When You Feel Unseen, Unheard, or Unnoticed 10/14/2025

How to Process Emotions - What to Do When You Feel Unseen, Unheard, or Unnoticed Have you ever been told you're "too emotional"? Do you feel unseen, unheard, or unnoticed in your relationships? If you've spent years thinking about your emotions instead of actually feeling them, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Peace and His Presence Podcast, I share my personal story of being told "you will always fail in life because you're too emotional" and how that painful wound led me to spend years stuck in my head, analyzing my emotions instead of processing them. Discover the biblical story of Hagar and El Roi (the God Who Sees) and learn a simple framework for processing emotions in about 90 seconds instead of staying stuck in emotional loops for hours or days. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Difference Between Thinking About Emotions vs. Processing Them Why staying in your head keeps emotions stuck in your body How analyzing and judging emotions actually makes them stronger The science behind emotional processing (it only takes 90 seconds!) What it means to actually feel your feelings instead of just thinking about them The Story of Hagar and El Roi How an Egyptian servant girl with no power gave God a name What the Angel of the Lord (Jesus before incarnation) did when Hagar felt completely unseen How El Roi sees your emotions without shame or judgment A Practical Framework for Processing Emotions A simple 4-step process for moving emotions through your body How to invite God into your emotional processing Why movement (walking, changing rooms, going outside) helps release stuck emotions How to hold both your valid emotions AND God's truth at the same time Help for Feeling Unseen and Unheard Scriptures to speak over your emotions when you feel afraid, ashamed, or alone How to use different names of God (El Shaddai, Yahweh Rapha, Yaweh Shalom) depending on what you need Why being "too emotional" isn't a flaw—it's part of being human How to trust that feeling emotions won't destroy you Perfect For You If: ✓ You've been told you're too emotional, too sensitive, or too much ✓ You feel unseen, unheard, or unnoticed in your relationships ✓ You spend hours analyzing your emotions but never feel relief ✓ You're stuck in emotional loops and don't know how to break free ✓ You want biblical, practical help for processing big feelings ✓ You're exhausted from trying to logic your way out of emotions ✓ You've experienced church hurt around being "too emotional" ✓ You want to learn how to feel instead of just think Key Takeaways: Emotions are energy that take about 90 seconds to move through your body when you actually feel them—but staying in your head analyzing them keeps them stuck and looping. El Roi sees you—not the smaller, less emotional version of you, but the REAL you with all your feelings, passion, and intensity. You don't have to process emotions alone—God invites you to sit with Him and His truth while you feel your feelings. Being "too emotional" isn't a character flaw—it's often the result of being shamed for normal human emotions and learning to suppress instead of process. Episode Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and introduction to processing emotions [00:02] The "too emotional" story—being told I would fail in life [00:05] The pattern continues in church ministry [00:07] Meet Hagar: the woman who felt completely unseen [00:09] The Angel of the Lord (Jesus) appears to Hagar [00:10] Hagar names God "El Roi"—The God Who Sees [00:11] The difference between thinking about emotions vs. processing them [00:13] The science: emotions take only 90 seconds to process [00:14] The framework for processing emotions (sign up for newsletter for full details!) [00:18] Using different names of God for different emotions [00:19] What to do this week [00:21] Be Still prayer with El Roi Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 16 - Hagar's story and El Roi Psalm 91 - God is our refuge Romans 8:1 - No condemnation in Christ Jesus Hebrews 13:5 - God will never leave or forsake us Resources Mentioned: Connect With Michelle: A Personal Note from Michelle: If you're reading these show notes because you've been told you're "too emotional" or because you feel completely unseen—I want you to know: you're not broken. You're not too much. And there's nothing wrong with your emotions. I spent years thinking ABOUT my emotions instead of actually FEELING them because I was told being emotional meant I would fail. But El Roi—the God Who Sees—taught me that my emotions aren't flaws. They're part of being fully human and fully His. This episode shares the practical framework I use (and teach my coaching clients) for processing emotions in about 90 seconds instead of staying stuck in loops for hours or days. But more than that, it's an invitation to meet El Roi—the God who sees ALL of you and calls it good. You don't have to be smaller, quieter, or less to be loved by God. He sees you. All of you. And He's inviting you to process your emotions WITH Him. Subscribe to my newsletter to get the complete framework, additional scriptures, and practical tools for this week's work! Share This Episode: Know someone who feels unseen, unheard, or unnoticed? Someone who's been told they're "too emotional"? Share this episode with them! Social Share Text: "Have you been told you're 'too emotional'? This episode about El Roi (the God Who Sees) changed how I process my emotions. 🎧 @peaceandhispresence" ⭐️ If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and review! It helps other women who feel unseen find this message of hope. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: E0ZCA2UDHWIGGI98 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 33GV8YJPLGMDFUEE /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/38550145

How to Stop Anxious Thoughts at Night: A Practical Christian Approach 10/06/2025

How to Stop Anxious Thoughts at Night: A Practical Christian Approach How to Stop Anxious Thoughts at Night: A Practical Christian Approach Episode Description Do anxious thoughts keep you awake at 3 AM? Does your brain replay worst-case scenarios on repeat? You're not broken—your brain is just stuck in worry ruts. In this episode, I share a powerful coaching tool called a thought download, combined with biblical truth about God as your refuge, that will help you see your anxious thoughts clearly and start creating new neural pathways through God's Word. In This Episode You'll Learn: What thought ruts are and how they keep you stuck in worry patterns The neuroscience behind anxious thinking (and why it's not your fault) A 4-step thought download tool to get racing thoughts out of your head How God's Word literally rewires your brain to create new pathways Why El Shaddai (God Almighty) is your refuge when thoughts feel overwhelming The connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions (the creation cycle) Episode Highlights: [02:00] The Target story: How a simple mistake during COVID sent me into a catastrophic worry spiral [04:30] Understanding thought ruts: Why your brain keeps traveling down the same anxious pathways [06:00] Meet El Shaddai: The name of God that means "God Almighty and Sufficient" [07:30] The 4-step thought download tool that helps you process anxious thoughts [12:00] How to create new neural pathways through Scripture meditation The 4-Step Thought Download Tool: Set your timer for 10 minutes - Create a container for your thoughts Write continuously without stopping - Pour out everything, even the ugly thoughts Remember who's with you - El Shaddai holds space for your tangled thoughts Notice the patterns - What ruts do you see? Control? Worry? Shame? Key Scripture Referenced: Psalm 91:1-2 - "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" Philippians 4:6-7 - God's peace guards our hearts and minds when we pray instead of worry 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" Struggling with Anxious Thoughts? Here's How I Can Help: Connect With Michelle: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: E0ZCA2UDHWIGGI98 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 33GV8YJPLGMDFUEE /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/38478460

Learning to Be Still: A Prayer for Anxious Hearts 09/24/2025

When Worry Takes Over: Breaking the Anxiety Spiral 09/12/2025

Mama, When You Can't Hold Them in Your Arms, Hold Them in Your Prayers 08/20/2025

Mama, When You Can't Hold Them in Your Arms, Hold Them in Your Prayers Does your mama heart ache when your child leaves? You're not alone. If you've ever watched your child drive away and felt your heart break a little, this episode is for you. Michelle shares her tender goodbye with her son Matthew as he heads to his senior year of college, and offers three practical tools to help you navigate the beautiful, painful journey of letting go with love. What You'll Learn: ✨ Why being a "50-50 mom" is actually perfect (and gives you permission to stop trying to be perfect) ✨ The hero vs. victim mindset - how treating your child as the hero of their story creates connection instead of control ✨ Selah Moments - a simple way to stay connected without being controlling (plus the neuroscience behind why this works!) ✨ The power of release - what burdens you're carrying that were never meant for you ✨ A beautiful prayer based on Psalm 121 where you can insert your child's name Perfect for Mamas Who: 💙 Feel anxious when their children leave home 💙 Struggle with wanting to control outcomes for their kids 💙 Wonder if they're "doing motherhood right" 💙 Have a child leaving for college, starting school, or any major transition 💙 Want to connect with their children without being controlling 💙 Need comfort for their aching mama heart Key Timestamps: [00:00] Michelle's tender goodbye to Matthew [02:00] Why being a "50-50 mom" is perfectly okay [04:00] The box story - when mama anxiety takes over [07:00] Hero vs. Victim: How we see our children matters [10:00] Selah Moments for connection instead of control [13:00] Release: What you're carrying that isn't yours [14:00] A mother's prayer using Psalm 121 Episode Highlights: "All of motherhood is loving them enough to let them go." "When we can't hold them in our arms, we can hold them in our prayers." "Your heart has been in training for this moment. The ache won't break you." "I'm a 50-50 mom and it's okay. I'm 50% great mom and 50% 'well, that didn't work' mom." Resources Mentioned: 📖 Promised Hope by Michelle Diercks - Written during her first year of empty nesting, filled with truths and names of God that bring comfort to weary mama hearts 🙏 Psalm 121 - A beautiful prayer for your children's protection and God's watchful care 📱 Selah Moments - Connect with your children by sharing daily favorite moments Connect with Michelle: 🌐 Website: 📧 Newsletter: For the Mama Whose Heart is Breaking: Sweet mama, if you found this episode because your heart is aching as you watch your child grow up and away, please know you're not alone. Every mama walking this earth knows the bittersweet pain of loving someone so much you have to let them go. Your tears are holy. Your heartbreak is love. And your willingness to release them into God's hands is the bravest thing you'll ever do. Keywords for SEO: Empty nest syndrome, letting go of children, mama heart aching, sending kids to college, motherhood anxiety, control and parenting, connecting with adult children, prayer for children, Psalm 121 for mothers, Christian parenting, mama guilt, loving through letting go, first day of school emotions, helicopter parenting recovery Leave a Review: If this episode spoke to your mama heart, would you leave a review? Your words help other aching mama hearts find the comfort they need. ❤️ Remember, dear mama: When you can't hold them in your arms, you can always hold them in your prayers. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/37895695

Finding Rest For Your Soul In the Middle of the Storm. 08/13/2025

Finding Rest For Your Soul In the Middle of the Storm. Are you exhausted from trying to control the storms in your life? Searching for rest that seems impossible to find when everything feels chaotic? In this episode, you'll discover how to find genuine rest for your soul - not after the storm passes, but right in the middle of it..." In this episode, author and certified Christian life coach Michelle Diercks shares the life-changing difference between external control and internal safety. Through a powerful story from her days as a 19-year-old camp counselor caught in an unexpected storm, Michelle reveals why our attempts to create safety through control always fail - and what actually works instead. What You'll Learn: Why anxiety isn't love (it's exhaustion wearing a responsibility costume) The difference between external control and internal safety Michelle's Five Rs framework for finding peace in the middle of life's storms How to stop carrying burdens that were never yours to carry Why "being strong" might actually be keeping you from feeling safe Biblical principles for finding rest when life feels out of control Perfect for people who: Struggle with anxiety and the need to control outcomes Feel responsible for everyone else's happiness and safety Are exhausted from trying to manage what they can't actually manage Want to learn how to trust God practically, not just theoretically Are ready to stop trying to be God (because you're terrible at it, and He's not hiring) Michelle shares vulnerable stories from her own journey of learning to let go, including her recent middle-of-the-night attempt to "fix" her son's flight connection from Iowa to Spain. Spoiler alert: it didn't work, but it taught her (again) about the freedom that comes from surrendering control. Featured Resources: Promised Hope: Trusting in God's Faithfulness by Michelle Diercks Free weekly newsletter with practical tools for anxious hearts Information about Michelle's coaching and free consultation calls Key Bible Verses Discussed: Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 63:7-8 - "My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me" Memorable Quotes from This Episode: "If chocolate solved problems, mine would be gone - both the chocolate AND the problems!" "You're not broken. You're just tired from doing a job that was never yours." "Your anxiety isn't love. It's exhaustion wearing a responsibility costume." "Stop trying to be God. You're terrible at it, and He's not hiring." Whether you're a mom worried about adult children, a woman trying to manage everyone's emotions, or someone who just can't seem to stop trying to control outcomes, this episode offers hope and practical tools for finding real safety - the kind that doesn't depend on perfect circumstances. Connect with Michelle: /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/37802075

Hope for When You Can't Fix What Feels Broken 07/12/2025

Hope for When You Can't Fix What Feels Broken Hope for When You Can't Fix What Feels Broken Show Notes Episode Summary Has your heart ever felt so broken that you didn't know how you were going to move forward? In this deeply personal episode, Michelle shares a story from her book Promised Hope about a season when her heart felt completely shattered - and what God did in that broken place. If you're struggling with overwhelming heartbreak, whether from recent tragedies like the devastating Texas floods, personal loss, church hurt, or circumstances that feel impossible, this episode offers hope and a path forward when everything feels unfixable. What You'll Hear in This Episode The Kitchen Table Story Michelle shares the raw reality of resigning from her job as Director of Christian Education just one month after her wedding, and how she and her husband Troy processed overwhelming grief by walking circles around their farmhouse kitchen table. When Everything Falls Apart at Once Sometimes life doesn't give us just one devastating blow - it's tragedy upon tragedy. Michelle explores what happens when we're carrying not just our own heartbreak, but the pain of an entire community (over 200 people left their church during this season). The Fog of Grief What it really feels like when you're "trying to wade through deep fog" and don't know how to move forward. Michelle describes the physical and emotional weight of compound grief. God me them in Worship How God met them week after week at a sister church through His Word, the Lord's Supper, and a loving pastor who told them "you'll know when you're ready to serve again." "Mended" - A Prayer for the Brokenhearted Michelle closes with a beautiful prayer she wrote years later about bringing our brokenness to God's house and leaving mended by His gifts of hope, love, joy, grace, peace, and strength. Key Quotes from This Episode "We kept stumbling into the same painful realization: we couldn't fix anything." "We can't mend our own broken hearts. We try - we pace, we overthink, we cling to control - but the pieces won't fit back together by our own hands." "God is the giver, and you're the receiver. You can go to the Lord's house just as you are." Why This Episode Matters Right Now With recent tragedies like the Texas flooding that took the lives of precious children at Camp Mystic, many of us are carrying heartbreak that feels too heavy to bear. This episode speaks to anyone who: Feels overwhelmed by current events and personal circumstances Is processing church hurt or spiritual trauma Has experienced multiple losses or "compound grief" Wonders where God is in the midst of overwhelming pain Needs permission to simply receive (not serve) during a difficult season Is looking for hope when everything feels broken Scripture References Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden..." Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted..." Resources Mentioned Books: Connect with Michelle: Website: Discussion Questions for Small Groups Have you ever experienced a season where multiple heartbreaking things happened at once? How did you process those emotions? Michelle describes feeling like she was "wading through deep fog." What metaphor would you use to describe overwhelming grief? What does it mean that "God is the giver and we are the receivers" in worship? How might this perspective change how we approach church when we're hurting? Michelle and Troy had to learn to simply receive rather than serve during their healing season. Why is this often difficult for Christians? How can the church better support people who are carrying "compound grief" or multiple heartbreaks? Takeaways It's okay to not know how to move forward when your heart is shattered Sometimes we need to simply receive God's gifts rather than try to serve God meets us in worship even when all we bring is our brokenness Healing happens in community, not isolation Our broken places can become our most beautiful offerings Tags #Hope #Heartbreak #ChurchHurt #Grief #Healing #ChristianEncouragement #Faith #PeaceInHisPresence #PromisedHope #Worship #GodsPresence #ChristianLifeCoach #Mended #Brokenness /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/37384105

When Worry Won't Stop: How God Renews Your Mind 05/17/2025

When Worry Won't Stop: How God Renews Your Mind Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of worry that seems impossible to break? In this episode of the Peace in His Presence podcast, Michelle Diercks shares her personal journey with anxious thoughts and reveals powerful biblical truths about breaking free from worry patterns. Through personal stories, scripture insights, and practical tools, Michelle explains how our brains create "worry ruts" and—most importantly—how God's Word provides the pathway to renewing our minds. Discover how neuroplasticity aligns with biblical truth and learn specific practices to transform your thought life. In This Episode You'll Learn: The science behind why our brains get stuck in worry patterns (50,000-60,000 thoughts daily!) The critical difference between healthy concern and unhealthy worry Key scriptures that address thought life transformation (Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2) How modern neuroscience confirms what scripture has taught for thousands of years Practical tools to redirect anxious thoughts through scripture meditation A powerful prayer framework for surrendering worries to God Scripture Mentioned: Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable..." Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Matthew 6:25-34 - Jesus' teaching on worry and God's provision Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." Psalm 23:1 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God." 2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking captive every thought Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer and the peace that transcends understanding John 15 - Abiding in Christ Resources: - Michelle's first book explores eight names and characteristics of God that reveal His peace-giving nature. - Michelle's second book focuses on God's faithfulness in all circumstances. Free consultation call - Contact Michelle about Christian life coaching to help with anxious thought patterns - Subscribe for more episodes about finding peace in God's promises Connect with Michelle: Website: About Michelle: Michelle Diercks is a Christian life coach, speaker, author, Bible teacher, and Women's Ministry retreat leader. Her books "Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence" and "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" have helped women discover God's peace even through life's uncertainties. As host of the Peace in His Presence podcast (recognized as a Top 50 Mom Podcast by Podcast Magazine for three consecutive years), Michelle reaches listeners in 95 countries with encouragement from God's Word. She lives on a farm in Eastern Iowa with her husband, and they have two sons who are studying to become pastors. Did This Episode Resonate With You? If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might be struggling with worry or anxious thoughts. Remember, be still and know that He is God. Until next time, may God's peace guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Keywords: worry, anxiety, thought patterns, neuroplasticity, renewing mind, biblical peace, worry ruts, Christian mental health, anxious thoughts, scripture meditation, Bible study, God's presence, Michelle Diercks /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/36601820

Choosing Silence, Finding Strength: When God Fights Our Battles 05/06/2025

Choosing Silence, Finding Strength: When God Fights Our Battles Episode Summary In this powerful episode of the Peace in His Presence podcast, Michelle Dericks explores how choosing strategic silence can become a source of strength when facing false accusations and shame. Drawing from her personal experience with false accusations and the biblical story of Rahab, Michelle reveals how El Chay (The Living God) fights our battles and brings redemption from the most broken places in our lives. As Mother's Day approaches, this timely message offers hope for anyone carrying burdens of shame, inadequacy, or painful circumstances they didn't choose. Key Moments From This Episode Michelle's Story of Strategic Silence Facing a situation with false accusations and choosing silence as a spiritual strategy Learning to surrender her defense to God rather than defending herself Finding peace in God's Word and worship during a difficult trial Experiencing God's faithfulness as truth eventually came to light Rahab's Story of Redemption A woman with a shameful past living in Jericho during impending destruction Recognizing the power of the God of Israel and choosing to trust Him Hanging a scarlet cord as her thread of hope amid uncertainty Being rescued from the rubble and redeemed into God's lineage Finding Redemption in Broken Places El Chay specializes in transformation and redemption Our struggles actually strengthen our ability to help and serve others God's grace covers our sins and His love is bigger than our problems The power of sharing our stories of redemption to help others Scripture References "As the deer pants for water, so my soul longs after you, O God." - Psalm 42 "Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you." - Isaiah 43:1-2 Application for Your Life This message of redemption applies to various life situations: For mothers: Finding freedom from parenting mistakes and regrets For those falsely accused: Trusting God with your defense For those in broken relationships: Finding healing and restoration For anyone facing setbacks: Discovering God's redemptive purpose El Chay meets you right in the middle of your rubble. He doesn't require perfection but offers redemption. Your struggles actually strengthen your ability to serve others as you experience God's redemption firsthand. Connect With Michelle If what I've shared today about El Chay who redeems us from brokenness resonates with you, I'd love to continue this conversation. I offer complimentary 50-minute consultation calls where I can listen to what you're going through and help you see a path forward through the lens of God's promises. Ready to release the shame you've been carrying? Follow the link in the show notes to schedule your complimentary consultation today. Resources Mentioned /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/36460025

Finding Peace in the Unknown: How God Helps Us in Uncertainty 04/29/2025

Finding Peace in the Unknown: How God Helps Us in Uncertainty Finding Peace in the Unknown: How God Helps Us in Uncertainty Episode Notes: In this transformative episode, Michelle Diercks explores how we can discover deep, lasting peace even during life's most uncertain seasons through understanding the powerful Hebrew name of God "El Chay" (the Living God). Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to finding peace in uncertainty 01:06 - Addressing the mixed emotions of life transitions 02:05 - Introduction to El Chay (the Living God) 03:00 - The Israelites' journey into the unknown promised land 04:11 - Michelle's personal story of being lost in fog during campus security 07:41 - How the Living God walks with us through every uncertain step 08:36 - Identifying thoughts that cause anxiety during transitions 09:54 - Creating your "stones of remembrance" for future challenges 11:18 - Isaiah 43:1-2 as an anchor during uncertain times 13:06 - Summer Sessions coaching opportunity introduction 16:12 - Closing thoughts on God's presence in uncertainty What You'll Hear: In today's episode, Michelle dives into one of the most powerful aspects of faith during seasons of change and uncertainty: the presence of El Chay, the Living God. Whether you're watching your child prepare for college graduation, facing a career change, or navigating any significant life transition, this episode offers biblical wisdom and practical guidance. Michelle shares the story of Joshua taking leadership from Moses as the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land - a perfect example of stepping into the unknown with God's guidance. God's powerful words to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go," remain equally relevant for believers today facing their own uncertain territories. Through Michelle's vulnerable personal story of being lost in fog during her campus security job - alone, without backup, in an unfamiliar area - we experience how the Living God meets us in our moments of complete helplessness. Her testimony of feeling God's presence during this frightening experience offers a powerful reminder that even when we feel lost, we're never lost to God. Practical Faith Applications: This episode provides practical spiritual exercises to help you navigate uncertainty: Thought Identification Exercise: Learn to recognize anxious thoughts that spiral during transitions and replace them with God's promises Creating Stones of Remembrance: Discover how to document past experiences of God's faithfulness as anchors for future challenges Scripture Memorization: Use Isaiah 43:1-2 as a powerful declaration during uncertain times Key Scripture References: Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened. Do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Isaiah 43:1-2 - "Fear not for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you." Resources Mentioned: Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness by Michelle Diercks - This episode draws specifically from Chapter 5, which explores the name "El Chay" (The Living God) Who This Episode Is For: Parents watching children transition to new life stages Anyone facing significant life changes or decisions Those struggling with anxiety about the future Christians seeking deeper understanding of God's presence in uncertainty Anyone needing encouragement during a difficult season Special Announcement - Summer Sessions Coaching: Michelle is offering "Summer Sessions" coaching - a flexible 8-session package available through September 6th. Unlike standard coaching packages with rigid timeframes, Summer Sessions can be used anytime throughout the summer months, working with your unpredictable schedule. This transformative opportunity is perfect for: College students preparing for a new academic year Recent graduates starting careers Parents navigating empty nest transitions Individuals feeling stuck or uncertain about next steps Anyone seeking intentional preparation for fall transitions During these personalized sessions, Michelle uses powerful coaching tools to: Identify what's keeping you stuck in uncertainty Process difficult emotions in healthy ways Replace anxiety with God's unshakeable promises Create practical action plans for your next season With only 8 spots available, secure your complimentary 50-minute consultation today: /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/36347340

Good Friday Reflection: It is Finished! 04/17/2025

Holy Week Reflection: Jesus in the Garden 04/16/2025

Prayer for Peace 03/01/2025

Unshakeable Hope: When Relationships Are Difficult 02/21/2025

Unshakeable Hope When Life Feels Uncertain 02/11/2025

Finding Unshakeable Hope: When Your Mind Needs Peace and Your Heart Needs Rest 02/03/2025

Finding Unshakeable Hope: When Your Mind Needs Peace and Your Heart Needs Rest Are you struggling with the darkness and heaviness of winter? Does your mind feel as gray as the winter sky? In this special bonus episode, Michelle shares powerful insights about transforming our thoughts and finding joy even in challenging seasons. Learn how our thoughts create our feelings and discover practical tools for finding peace in God's presence. Key Topics Covered: - How our thoughts create our feelings and influence our actions - Finding joy in winter through perspective shifts - Dealing with anxious thoughts and worry - The power of changing our thought patterns - Resting in God's promises during difficult seasons - Practical examples of thought transformation - The importance of treating adult children as heroes in their own stories Featured Stories: - Michelle's personal journey with Troy's health challenges - The impact of changing thoughts on family relationships - Learning to trust God's timing and provision Key Takeaways: 1. Our thoughts are responsible for how we feel 2. We can choose to reframe our perspective on challenging situations 3. When we change our thoughts, our feelings and actions naturally follow 4. God's presence provides peace even in uncertain circumstances 5. Treating others as the heroes of their own stories transforms relationships Special Announcement: Starting March 2 - "Unshakeable Hope" Small Group Coaching Program - Learn to rest in God's unshakeable hope, joy, and peace - Combines teachings from "Promised Hope" with Christian life coaching tools - Special beta program pricing: $300 (Regular value: $1000+) - Weekly teachings, group coaching calls, and private Facebook community Free Resources through Michelle's Coaching Newsletter - Special PDF Journal with Bible reading plan - Prayer prompts - Guided meditation recording Action Steps: 1. Listen to the entire episode for full context and stories 2. Sign up for the newsletter to receive your free journal 3. Learn more about the Unshakeable Hope program launching February 17th 4. Share this episode with someone who might need encouragement during this season /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/35119615

Promised Hope Series: The Lord is Your Rock 01/20/2025

Promised Hope Series: The Lord is Your Rock Episode Overview: Guest host Sharla Fritz interviews Michelle about Chapter 4 of her new book "Promised Hope," exploring the concept of God as our rock in times of uncertainty. Notable Quotes: - "Even though my world felt shaken, I knew God could see beyond the uncertainty of this moment. God held everything together." - "Jesus as our rock will never be taken away. It cannot be destroyed." - "If he's helped me in those ways in the past, won't he continue to do that in the future? And the answer is yes." Key Discussion Points: - Michelle's personal experience with her husband's hospitalization led to deeper reflection on God as our rock - The contrast between temporary foundations (money, health, relationships) vs. God as our unshakable foundation - The concept of "Selah moments" - sacred pauses to ground ourselves in God's presence - Story of Michelle's childhood experience with "fool's gold" and learning valuable lessons about true treasure Scripture Focus: - Psalm 62:5-8 - "He only is my rock and my salvation..." - Psalm 18:1-2 - David's personal declarations of God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer Practical Application - The Five R's of Reflection: 1. Rejoice - Practice gratitude and praise 2. Release - Let go of things we're holding too tightly 3. Reframe - Look at situations through the lens of God's character 4. Remember - Recall God's past faithfulness 5. Rest - Find peace in God's promises and presence Book Details: - Title: "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" - Structure: 8 weeks of study, with 5 daily readings per week - Suitable for: Individual devotion, small groups, Bible studies, book clubs - Available at: CPH.org/promisedhope and Amazon Additional Resources: - - Tired of feeling stuck in winter weariness? Join me for this transformative workshop where you'll discover: ✨ Why your thoughts might be keeping you trapped in weariness ✨ How to begin shifting from overwhelm to hope ✨ Simple tools to experience more joy in your daily life ✨ The peace that comes from resting in God's faithfulness When: Monday, January 27th at 7:00 p.m. CST Registration - Limited Spots Available! Please sign up for the workshop below to be added to the email list to receive the information. Important: Please check your spam folder if you don't receive your confirmation email. /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/34452580

Special Announcement And Invitation From Michelle 01/12/2025

Special Announcement And Invitation From Michelle Welcome friends! What an incredible week it's been with the launch of Your responses through messages, texts, and calls have filled my heart with such gratitude. In today's episode, I share something that has transformed my life in beautiful and unexpected ways. As my husband Troy noticed, becoming a certified Christian life coach has changed me deeply. When someone who knows your struggles most intimately notices this kind of transformation, it really means something. My Journey This transformation has touched everything - my relationship with God, family dynamics, and how I view challenges and opportunities. Through this journey, I've discovered what it truly means to live as God's beloved daughter. I've learned to see life through the lens of abundance rather than lack. A Special Invitation: 8-Week Journey Together I'm excited to announce a special program combining life-changing principles with the truths from Promised Hope. This isn't just another Bible study or self-improvement program - it's an eight-week journey to experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised. Is This For You? This program is for you if you've ever: Found yourself stuck in patterns that rob you of joy and peace Struggled to fully embrace your identity as God's beloved child Carried the weight of unforgiveness or bitterness in relationships Felt overwhelmed by life's transitions Wondered if you're living the full, purposeful life God has for you What We'll Discover Together In our intimate group of 20-25 women, we'll: Learn how God's truth can transform our thought patterns Discover practical tools combining biblical truth with how God designed our brains Explore what it truly means to live as God's beloved daughters Find freedom from patterns that keep us stuck See life's challenges through the lens of God's faithfulness What's Included Weekly teaching videos Live group calls (with replays available) Private community space for support and encouragement A personal 45-minute coaching session with me Join Us Starting February 17th I'm creating a waiting list for our February 17th launch. Some spots have already been claimed through private conversations, but I'd love to have you join us. To join the waitlist: Send me an email expressing your interest at This group coaching experience is for women only. If you have any questions, please reach out. Thank you for letting me share my heart and excitement with you today! /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/34827145

Promised Hope Series: Yahweh Rapha, the Lord is our Healer 01/05/2025

Promised Hope Series: Yahweh Rapha, the Lord is our Healer In this special episode of the Promise to Hope series, host Michelle welcomes guest interviewer Faith Doerr to explore the powerful name of God, Yahweh Rapha - The Lord Our Healer. Key Points Discussed: Introduction to Yahweh Rapha, meaning "The Lord is our healer" Context from Exodus 15, following the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea The transformation of bitter waters at Marah into sweet water The significance of God's role as healer - physically, emotionally, and spiritually Discussion of Jesus healing the woman with a 12-year blood condition (Matthew 9:20-22) Biblical Deep Dive: Exploration of Exodus 15 and the Israelites' journey from celebration to bitterness The meaning of "Mara" (bitter) in Hebrew and its significance Connection between physical healing and spiritual restoration God's promise to be the healer of His people Key Scripture References: Exodus 15 - The story of bitter waters made sweet and God revealing Himself as Yahweh Rapha Matthew 9:20-22 - The woman with the issue of blood being healed Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me all who labor and are heavily laden..." Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted..." John 16:33 - "Take heart, I have overcome the world" Psalm 91 - "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High..." Psalm 27 (particularly the final verse) - "Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage" Practical Applications: Understanding God's role as healer in modern context Dealing with bitterness and waiting periods Finding hope in times of brokenness The importance of community and worship even in difficult seasons Using simple Scripture phrases for comfort during challenging times Notable Quotes from the Episode: "God is the giver and we are the receivers." "Sometimes fixing isn't about doing away with the problems. Sometimes it's about receiving the gifts and being reminded of the peace and strength that God gives to us to face whatever comes next." Resources Mentioned: Free first chapter available at /episode/index/show/michellediercks/id/34452285

Peace in His Presence: Hope for the Anxious Heart

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