I sat in the dentist’s chair this morning, inwardly trembling as they began a long-dreaded procedure. As the chair began to recline, my anxiety began to kick into overdrive. My heart was pounding, my breathing was shallow, and I could feel every muscle in me tensing in fear. The dentist prepared to do a cold test on my tooth, and as his hand approached my mouth, I held up my hand and shakily said, “I’m so sorry, I need just a minute.” 

And I breathed. One slow, deep, breath that was part oxygen, part desperate prayer for strength. 

Maybe you can relate.  

Maybe your summer plans have spun wildly out of control and become chaos. Maybe you are home with your children for the summer and you are dangerously close to losing your sanity. Maybe you are tired from the continual upheaval of the past few years. Maybe life has taken some unexpected turns and you are weary, worn out, or grieving. 

And all you want is a moment to breathe a slow, deep breath – part oxygen, part desperate prayer. 

I hear you. 

As my dentist began the procedure, God gently reminded me of some beautiful truths. He had placed and prepared these professionals to work on my mouth today – what seemed like an extraordinary procedure to me was a very ordinary and boring procedure to them. I had coworkers covering me in prayer. And God himself was right there with me, filling me with “peace that surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:6). 

I encourage you to take a moment today – take one slow, deep breath, and remind yourself of the same truths He shared with me in the dentist’s chair: 

• God has strategically placed people in this season of your life.  
• He is with you always (Matt. 28:20) 
• He will fill you with His peace (Phil. 4:6) 

As we approach the halfway point of our summer, may we approach each day with these truths at the forefront of our minds and His peace reigning in our hearts.