Chasing Calm: FINDING HAPPINESS AND A PEACEFUL LIFE THROUGH GOD AND THERAPY

By Tonya McBean M.S.

The first in a series of three books by author Tonya McBean, Chasing Calm presents a daily devotional to prepare your mind to become calm. It employs both therapy and theology to open your thoughts toward peace and healing.

Chasing Calm dives into a Bible verse each day, followed by a mental health thought of the day, and includes applicable prayers. In addition, McBean shares her experiences and inspires you to discover the beauty and purpose in your own life.

Filled with biblical principles and psychology tips to apply in everyday living, this thirty-day devotional helps you push through daily struggles and equips you to handle challenging situations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385022601

Tonya McBean M.S.

Tonya McBean earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology and worked in the medical industry for twenty years. She is a formidable author who fearlessly delves into the intricate tapestry of survival and writes about her triumph over trauma and anxiety. McBean and her husband, Bill, spend their time in St. Pete, Florida, and summer in North Carolina. Visit her online at tonyamcbean.com.

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DAY 1

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Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving.

—Psalm 46:10

When we are struggling vigorously and trying very hard to make something happen for a long time in the midst of difficulties, we may experience anxiety. We don’t have to face things alone.

Another translation of the Bible says, Be still and know that I am God. So be still today by surrendering your anxiety to God.

Be silent.

Stop talking about whatever is bothering you, turn it over to God, and let it go.

When you decide to be kind instead of right, you will be on the right side every time. Being kind when you’re upset takes great self-discipline.

Many people create drama wherever they go. We need to be different.

I Heard your prayer and have seen your tears, I will heal you. (2 Kings 20:5)

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me when I face others who are dramatic and unkind. Keep me on the right side of things. Lead me out of the situation, and give me the grace to be silent instead of rude. Thank you for teaching me about kindness. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

DAY 2

My life, my every moment, my destiny—its’s all in your hands. So I know you can deliver me from those who persecute me relentlessly. Let your shining face shine on me. Let your undying love and glorious grace save me from all this gloom.

—Psalm 31:15–16

All of life’s circumstances are under God’s control. Do we really trust God? Instead of presenting all the gossip to your friend and fighting your case with all the details of what was done to you, take it to God. Let him right your wrongs. God already knows your heart. Take the high road and turn it over to God. If you keep a scorecard of wrongdoings, you could build up resentment and only hurt yourself. It is like holding a burning coal and expecting to not be burned. Drop it. Let go. The only person suffering or hurting by holding on to resentment is you.

Release all the pieces of your brokenness to God. Stop holding on to them.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I give you all the ugly, broken pieces of me, as well as anything that I am holding on to. Free me from resentments that are preventing me from being happy. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

DAY 3

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Answer me when I call, O God of my rightousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

—Psalm 4:1

It is really senseless to work so hard from early morning till late at night toiling to make a living for fear of not having enough. God can provide for his loves even while they sleep!

—Psalm 127:2 (TPT)

Enduring life without God is meaningless and makes no sense. When God is the head of the household, the rest of the house is safe. A good family life is