The job was simple enough. I planned to take my infant daughter grocery shopping one Saturday afternoon while my wife was practicing organ for the Sunday service. I had the backpack set with diapers, toys, and Baby Bjorn, just in case. After I dropped my wife off at practice, my daughter and I set off for the grocery store just a few minutes away.

Knowing it was almost feeding time, I planned to finish shopping quickly and feed my daughter her applesauce afterward. We made our way through the store picking up produce, grocery items, and some milk. Then we headed to the home stretch: the checkout lanes. Daughter? Still happy. All was good with the world.

And then it began: the fussiness. Being a new dad in tune with the needs of his daughter, I knew it was from hunger. Nothing too stressful. I knew I’d feed her as soon as we left the store.

But then another customer in line decided to question my capability. “She probably just needs her mother,” she said, “Too bad her mother isn’t here.”

This questioning took me by surprise. At first I was only mildly irritated that someone would question my competence. But then I began to wonder if she was right. The lingering self-doubt plagued me. It’s all too easy to doubt myself when I’m given new responsibilities.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities in your life today? Whether you’re dealing with a new baby, a new job, or something else entirely, you can turn to God’s Word for strength when you feel incompetent.

If you’re feeling stressed by life’s changes, I invite you to pray these prayers of peace, encouragement, and hope with me:

Lord, nothing feels settled. Everything seems so new and I get overwhelmed by even the smallest things. Help me to know you are there with me, and settle my insecurities.

Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:9 (GNTD)

My life seems to be constantly changing, Lord, and I’m not sure what to do or how to do it. Give me the peace to know you are with me and help me to trust in you through all of my challenges.

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)

God, let me know you are with me in the new challenges I’m facing. Help me to be certain of your love, and help me to move forward knowing you will take care of me.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. — James 1:2-4 (GNTD)