Sometimes I feel like a boxer in the final round of a fight. After dancing around the ring for more than an hour, I’ve picked up my fair share of knocks: a blow to my cheek, a shot to my gut, a jab above my lip. I try to keep my balance—and finish the fight—but I’ve got nothing left.

Can you relate? Most of us go through seasons like this one. After weeks of chaos, you can hardly count the problems you need to address. An unexpected home repair, a broken friendship, a major car bill, a poor job review…suddenly, your life feels completely out of control. You work desperately to catch up, but you end up feeling hopeless. One more punch will knock me out, you think. 

When you can barely stay upright, retreat to your corner and take a deep breath. Call out to God in prayer. And find peace, hope and encouragement in his Word. These four Bible verses will get you started:

1. The Lord offers rest.
   Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.– Matthew 11:28-29 (GNTD)
2. The Lord offers protection.  
   When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace; you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.– Psalm 4:8 (GNTD)
3. The Lord offers peace.
   Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.– John 14:27 (GNTD)
4. The Lord offers hope.
   May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.– Romans 15:13 (GNTD)