Are You a Peace-Seeker?
If I asked if you were looking for peace, you would be the first person with your hand raised. Me too! Most of us want peace in the world, peace in our neighborhoods, and certainly peace in our own hearts. But for anyone suffocating under the weight of anxiety, peace can feel like the impossible dream.
So, where do we find it? How do we cultivate, develop, and nurture peace? Here’s a clue: It doesn’t come from within when we are overwhelmed by the anxiety-producing “what-ifs” of life.
Proverbs 12:25 spells it out clearly: “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” You might recognize this mantra: If you get the inside right, the rest will take care of itself. As it turns out, that’s more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a profound truth. Let that sink in for a moment. If we want our days to feel “glad,” we have to be intentional about the words we feed our hearts.
Life Between the Bookends
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I try to protect my days by “bookending” them with Scripture, music, or reading—anything other than the news. Our lives are lived between these bookends. We need morning and evening routines that set the tone for how we want to feel, act, and be.
How you start your day and how you end it are the brackets that hold everything else together. Maybe your morning is already a well-practiced routine, but your evening is a bit more fluid. Regardless, how you invest in yourself at daybreak in the morning and before the lights go out at night has a massive impact on your anxiety levels.
- If you want to escape building anxiety, protect the first part of your day.
- If you want to lie down in peace, protect the last part of your day.
The Morning Bookend: Rise and Shine
“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.” — Psalm 112:4
When you jump out of bed—or even if your “jump” feels more like pulling your foot out of a bucket of tar—try to plant this thought in your mind: This is a good day, and I am going to protect it.
Think about your typical morning. Do your feet hit the floor and your hand immediately reaches for your phone and the news app or maybe the TV remote? Why? The world will continue to churn whether you start your day that way or not. Here is your first bookend: Protect your morning. Give yourself at least the first half hour and instead of the news, feed your spirit with truth, encouragement, and joy. Spend time in prayer, scripture, or read a devotional. There will be plenty of time to catch up on the world’s chaos later in the day if it’s really a priority. Trust me on this one.
Don’t Become a Statistic
I have a friend who was being treated for depression. Over time, it became evident that a constant “addiction” to the news was contributing to her deep despair and anxiety. If this describes you, I say this with love: Stop. The headlines aren’t designed to give you peace. According to Gallup, the percentage of U.S. adults reporting depression reached record highs in 2024 and 2025, climbing to over 18%. That represents nearly 48 million Americans. Don’t let yourself be trapped inside a statistic like that.
“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You.” — Psalm 63:1
The Evening Bookend: Ending with Grace
Now, let’s talk about the companion bookend: preparing for sleep. “Winding down” isn’t just a cliché; it’s a vital process. Never waste the last half hour of your day pouring “fire” into your brain by watching the news. It might be a habit, but it’s a habit that breeds anxiety.
“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” — Psalm 65:8
Start at least thirty minutes before bedtime. Do something that calms your soul—read a book, listen to soft music, diffuse some essential oils, or meditate. Someone once said, “Give your problems to God. He’s up all night anyway.”
“I will praise the Lord who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn.” — Psalm 16:7
Your life is lived between the bookends of your day. Surround your hours with a peaceful start and a calming end. Shield your mind, guard your heart, and protect your day. You are worth the effort.
Quote source: Gallup Wellbeing September 9, 2025
Summer Setting 