In a Hostile and Chaotic World: Finding God's Peace

February 10, 2026
00:00 36:32
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When headlines, social media, and everyday stress collide, anxiety can easily take over. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and Carol McCracken explore why our minds and bodies respond so strongly to cultural chaos—and how God gently leads us back to peace.

Download the free companion guide for this episode here: Finding Peace in a Chaotic World: A Faith-Based Guide to Quieting Anxiety and Re-centering Your Heart

You’ll hear:

  • how stress and overstimulation affect the brain

  • why anxious thoughts spiral so quickly

  • practical grounding tools rooted in faith

  • how Jesus modeled withdrawal and reconnection with the Father

  • why joy, Scripture, and community strengthen emotional resilience

If you’ve felt overwhelmed lately, this conversation will remind you: you’re not broken—and you’re not alone. God meets us right where we are and leads us toward calm, clarity, and renewed trust.


Scripture referenced in this episode:

Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Isaiah 26:3–4
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You… The Lord Himself is the Rock eternal.”

Psalm 46:1–2
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…”

Psalm 91:1–4
God as refuge, shelter, and covering.

Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

Gospel accounts of Jesus withdrawing to pray
(Mark 1:35-39; Luke 5:15-16; Luke 6:12)


Reflective Questions:

Use these for journaling, small groups, or personal reflection.

  1. When I feel overwhelmed, what tends to trigger my anxiety most—noise, conflict, social media, uncertainty, or something else?

  2. What physical signs tell me I’m becoming dysregulated or stressed (sleep disruption, tension, racing thoughts, irritability)?

  3. Which grounding practice helps me reconnect with God most easily—breathing, Scripture, silence, journaling, nature, prayer, or community?

  4. Where might God be inviting me to “withdraw” from input right now so I can hear His voice more clearly?

  5. What truth from Scripture do I need to return to when my thoughts begin to spiral?

  6. What is one small step I can take this week to pursue peace intentionally instead of waiting for my circumstances to change?


If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who may be feeling overwhelmed. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others find hope and practical help when they need it most.

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website

On Facebook

On Instagram

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Meet Your Hosts
Jennifer Slattery is a multi-published author, national speaker, and speaking coach passionate about helping God's children reach their full potential and live fully surrendered to Christ. She is a host on Your Daily Bible Verse and Faith Over Fear. Find her online at https://www.JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com
Carol Ogle McCracken is a fun-loving wedding planner, speaker, Bible teacher, and author who brings to Scripture to inspire a personal, vibrant relationship with Him. Her authentic challenges faced while journeying through alcoholism, raising a child with special needs, and divorce, equip her to teach, entertain and encourage you. Carol currently serves as the Minister of Discipleship at her home church and is a Christian communicator in many different forums, large and small, and especially enjoys teaching at women’s retreats. Her book Wisdom, Where to Find It if You've Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It was released in November 2020.
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