Episode Details

When anxious thoughts flood your mind and you feel like you're living in a fog—disconnected from the moment and overwhelmed by “what ifs”—you’re not alone. In today’s devotional, Kelly Balarie vulnerably shares how anxiety hijacked her thoughts even in the middle of everyday moments with her kids.

But instead of staying stuck in the spiral of fear, she turned to Psalm 27:1 and found refuge in God's Word:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”

We encourage you to pray: “Lord, help me to release what I’m holding onto so tightly. Let me trust that You are my stronghold, my refuge, and my salvation—even when I feel like I’m falling apart.”

When our grip on life feels weak, God reminds us: He’s the one holding on tight.
Let this be your permission to stop rehearsing worst-case scenarios and instead rest in the truth that God is your Light, your Refuge, and your Stronghold. When we move out of the way, we make way for the Way Maker.

Join the Conversation:
Have you ever been so anxious that you struggled to be present? What verse has helped anchor you in those moments? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story and stand with you in faith.

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Full Transcript Below:

When Your Mind is Somewhere Else

By Kelly Balarie

“The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid.” – Psalm 27:1 NLT

For days, I was internally screaming inside, while pretending to be there for my kids. I was internally agonizing, while trying to calmly answer questions about stop lights, and what’s for lunch and playdates with friends. Half the words they spoke would fly over my head, lest I pay attention and ignore the tight clenching pain of anxiety thumping in my chest. I tried to call myself to attention.

“Mommy, what do you think we will do for Valentine’s Day?” My kids asked me.

Who in the world knows?! My world is combusting! How will I handle what I am facing?! How can I disaster plan? If the worst-case scenario happens, how do I rise up?

Going somewhere else, in the car, while my kids chatted away, I could see all the dominoes falling. I could see all the marbles rolling everywhere, unable to be contained. I could envision my agony as I couldn’t handle the future. 

Ever been there? Ever been in the place you never wanted to arrive to? Ever seen the darkness you didn’t want to see? Ever confronted a monster that you only hoped and prayed would pass you by?

And what do you do when you can’t stop thinking of worst-case scenarios?! When you keep considering all the ways you’ll be hurt? When you’re already experiencing the shame that hasn’t even yet come? 

These are viable questions. Ones I was contending with f