Starting the Year in Prayer: 5 Scriptures for When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

One thing I’m being intentional about this year is starting with God first and learning to let go of the stress that comes with trying to figure out everything on my own. Last year was tough. It began with me slowly adjusting to what it meant to be a homemaker, without any family or friends nearby, all while caring for a two-year-old and a fourteen-month-old. Every day felt impossible. Most mornings started with tears...mostly from me.

This year, I’m determined to shift the dynamic of our day to day, and I know that shift can only happen by giving each day to the One who has the power to bring about change.

If you’re stepping into this year already feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. To be honest, overwhelmed could be my middle name. Motherhood, waiting seasons, and the heaviness of everyday life can make it hard to slow down long enough to breathe, let alone pray.

But the beautiful thing about God is that He will meet us where we are. In the middle of a toddler tantrum, in the quiet moments, in the tough conversations with our spouses, or even in the middle of a messy kitchen. We don’t have to be put together to approach Him. We just have to come.

Here are five scriptures to anchor your heart as you begin this new year, and to return to on the days you feel stretched thin.

1. When You Feel Like You’re Carrying Too Much

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

The moments that I feel most overwhelmed are the moments I’m trying to do everything on my own. This verse reminds us that God never intended for us to carry our burdens alone. He invites us to hand Him our cares, big and small, because He cares deeply for us.

Prayer:

God, I feel like I’m carrying too much. I give You the things that feel too heavy for me. Help me to learn to let go and trust You in the places I feel overwhelmed.

2. When You Feel Alone

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” — Psalm 145:18

This one really hits home for me in this season. Being in a different state from my family and friends while raising two kids is such a lonely feeling. But I’m reminded that God comforts the brokenhearted and that He is an ever-present help. Even when no one else is physically near, He is with us.

Prayer:

God, I thank You for Your presence. Surround me with Your love and peace when I feel alone. I pray that you would strengthen me on the days that feel impossible.

3. When You Lack Motivation

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

There are days when I feel like giving up, simply because I lack motivation. But this verse reminds me that I don’t have to rely on myself to self motivate because God created each of us for His good works. Works that He prepared in advance for us to walk in. Living out His purpose is the motivation. No matter what role you’re in during this season, your life carries meaning and intention. Everything we do is meant to glorify God… even motherhood.

Prayer:

God my desire is to honor you with my life. Please be my strength when I feel like giving up. Reveal the purpose You have for me and give me the stamina to walk in it. Let Your will be done in my life.

4. When You Don’t Know What Direction to Take

“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.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

When I became a stay-at-home mom after working for 13 years, I had no idea what I wanted to do beyond being a wife and mother. Honestly, I’m still figuring it out. But I’ve learned that as I set goals and make plans, I need to submit them to God. He knows the way forward, even when I don’t.

Prayer:

God, I pray that you would guide my steps this year. Help me trust Your plans more than my own understanding. Let Your peace replace my worries.

5. When You Need Rest for Your Soul

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Lately I’ve been experiencing a tiredness that sleep or a vacation can’t fix. Nonstop tasks and daily overstimulation can make a soul feel exhausted. But Jesus invites us into real rest, the kind that only he can provide.

Prayer:

Jesus, I come to You tired and stretched thin. Give my soul the rest it needs. Help me to build habits that renew my spirit, and remind me that I am not walking this year alone.

A Gentle Reminder for Your Year Ahead

One thing I’m learning to pursue is consistency over perfection. I’m making plans to guide my year, fully expecting that not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. We don’t need a perfect plan to begin well.

We just need to consistently invite God into each day. One prayer at a time.

When life overwhelms you, let these verses steady your heart. Return to them as often as you need. Write them down, save them to your phone, whisper them as you do dishes or buckle car seats.

Here’s to a year rooted in peace, anchored in prayer, and strengthened by the One who holds it all.

If this spoke to something you’re walking through, I’d love to hear from you.

Send me a message or leave a comment. You don’t have to walk through this season alone. ❤️