Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of worry that seems impossible to break? In this episode of the Peace in His Presence podcast, Michelle Diercks shares her personal journey with anxious thoughts and reveals powerful biblical truths about breaking free from worry patterns.

Through personal stories, scripture insights, and practical tools, Michelle explains how our brains create "worry ruts" and—most importantly—how God's Word provides the pathway to renewing our minds. Discover how neuroplasticity aligns with biblical truth and learn specific practices to transform your thought life.

• The science behind why our brains get stuck in worry patterns (50,000-60,000 thoughts daily!)
• The critical difference between healthy concern and unhealthy worry
• Key scriptures that address thought life transformation (Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2)
• How modern neuroscience confirms what scripture has taught for thousands of years
• Practical tools to redirect anxious thoughts through scripture meditation
• A powerful prayer framework for surrendering worries to God

• Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable..."
• Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
• Matthew 6:25-34 - Jesus' teaching on worry and God's provision
• Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."
• Psalm 23:1 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."
• Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God."
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking captive every thought
• Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer and the peace that transcends understanding
• John 15 - Abiding in Christ

• Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence - Michelle's first book explores eight names and characteristics of God that reveal His peace-giving nature.
• Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness - Michelle's second book focuses on God's faithfulness in all circumstances.
• Free consultation call - Contact Michelle about Christian life coaching to help with anxious thought patterns
• Peace in His Presence Podcast - Subscribe for more episodes about finding peace in God's promises

• Website: michellediercks.com

Michelle Diercks is a Christian life coach, speaker, author, Bible teacher, and Women's Ministry retreat leader. Her books "Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence" and "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" have helped women discover God's peace even through life's uncertainties. As host of the Peace in His Presence podcast (recognized as a Top 50 Mom Podcast by Podcast Magazine for three consecutive years), Michelle reaches listeners in 95 countries with encouragement from God's Word. She lives on a farm in Eastern Iowa with her husband, and they have two sons who are studying to become pastors.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might be struggling with worry or anxious thoughts. Remember, be still and know that He is God. Until next time, may God's peace guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Keywords: worry, anxiety, thought patterns, neuroplasticity, renewing mind, biblical peace, worry ruts, Christian mental health, anxious thoughts, scripture meditation, Bible study, God's presence, Michelle Diercks

In this powerful episode of the Peace in His Presence podcast, Michelle Dericks explores how choosing strategic silence can become a source of strength when facing false accusations and shame. Drawing from her personal experience with false accusations and the biblical story of Rahab, Michelle reveals how El Chay (The Living God) fights our battles and brings redemption from the most broken places in our lives. As Mother's Day approaches, this timely message offers hope for anyone carrying burdens of shame, inadequacy, or painful circumstances they didn't choose.

• Facing a situation with false accusations and choosing silence as a spiritual strategy
• Learning to surrender her defense to God rather than defending herself
• Finding peace in God's Word and worship during a difficult trial
• Experiencing God's faithfulness as truth eventually came to light

• A woman with a shameful past living in Jericho during impending destruction
• Recognizing the power of the God of Israel and choosing to trust Him
• Hanging a scarlet cord as her thread of hope amid uncertainty
• Being rescued from the rubble and redeemed into God's lineage

• El Chay specializes in transformation and redemption
• Our struggles actually strengthen our ability to help and serve others
• God's grace covers our sins and His love is bigger than our problems
• The power of sharing our stories of redemption to help others

"As the deer pants for water, so my soul longs after you, O God." - Psalm 42

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you." - Isaiah 43:1-2

This message of redemption applies to various life situations:

• For mothers: Finding freedom from parenting mistakes and regrets
• For those falsely accused: Trusting God with your defense
• For those in broken relationships: Finding healing and restoration
• For anyone facing setbacks: Discovering God's redemptive purpose

El Chay meets you right in the middle of your rubble. He doesn't require perfection but offers redemption. Your struggles actually strengthen your ability to serve others as you experience God's redemption firsthand.

If what I've shared today about El Chay who redeems us from brokenness resonates with you, I'd love to continue this conversation. I offer complimentary 50-minute consultation calls where I can listen to what you're going through and help you see a path forward through the lens of God's promises.

Ready to release the shame you've been carrying? Follow the link in the show notes to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

• Michelle's book: "Promised Hope" 
• [Schedule your complimentary consultation call with Michelle]

In this transformative episode, Michelle Diercks explores how we can discover deep, lasting peace even during life's most uncertain seasons through understanding the powerful Hebrew name of God "El Chay" (the Living God).

• 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to finding peace in uncertainty
• 01:06 - Addressing the mixed emotions of life transitions
• 02:05 - Introduction to El Chay (the Living God)
• 03:00 - The Israelites' journey into the unknown promised land
• 04:11 - Michelle's personal story of being lost in fog during campus security
• 07:41 - How the Living God walks with us through every uncertain step
• 08:36 - Identifying thoughts that cause anxiety during transitions
• 09:54 - Creating your "stones of remembrance" for future challenges
• 11:18 - Isaiah 43:1-2 as an anchor during uncertain times
• 13:06 - Summer Sessions coaching opportunity introduction
• 16:12 - Closing thoughts on God's presence in uncertainty

In today's episode, Michelle dives into one of the most powerful aspects of faith during seasons of change and uncertainty: the presence of El Chay, the Living God. Whether you're watching your child prepare for college graduation, facing a career change, or navigating any significant life transition, this episode offers biblical wisdom and practical guidance.

Michelle shares the story of Joshua taking leadership from Moses as the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land - a perfect example of stepping into the unknown with God's guidance. God's powerful words to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go," remain equally relevant for believers today facing their own uncertain territories.

Through Michelle's vulnerable personal story of being lost in fog during her campus security job - alone, without backup, in an unfamiliar area - we experience how the Living God meets us in our moments of complete helplessness. Her testimony of feeling God's presence during this frightening experience offers a powerful reminder that even when we feel lost, we're never lost to God.

This episode provides practical spiritual exercises to help you navigate uncertainty:

• Thought Identification Exercise: Learn to recognize anxious thoughts that spiral during transitions and replace them with God's promises
• Creating Stones of Remembrance: Discover how to document past experiences of God's faithfulness as anchors for future challenges
• Scripture Memorization: Use Isaiah 43:1-2 as a powerful declaration during uncertain times

• Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened. Do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
• Isaiah 43:1-2 - "Fear not for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you."

• Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness by Michelle Diercks - [LINK TO BOOK]
  • This episode draws specifically from Chapter 5, which explores the name "El Chay" (The Living God)

• Parents watching children transition to new life stages
• Anyone facing significant life changes or decisions
• Those struggling with anxiety about the future
• Christians seeking deeper understanding of God's presence in uncertainty
• Anyone needing encouragement during a difficult season

Michelle is offering "Summer Sessions" coaching - a flexible 8-session package available through September 6th. Unlike standard coaching packages with rigid timeframes, Summer Sessions can be used anytime throughout the summer months, working with your unpredictable schedule.

This transformative opportunity is perfect for:

• College students preparing for a new academic year
• Recent graduates starting careers
• Parents navigating empty nest transitions
• Individuals feeling stuck or uncertain about next steps
• Anyone seeking intentional preparation for fall transitions

During these personalized sessions, Michelle uses powerful coaching tools to:

• Identify what's keeping you stuck in uncertainty
• Process difficult emotions in healthy ways
• Replace anxiety with God's unshakeable promises
• Create practical action plans for your next season

With only 8 spots available, secure your complimentary 50-minute consultation today: [LINK TO CONSULTATION]

In this special Good Friday episode, Michelle  invites listeners to reflect on Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and the profound meaning behind His final words, "It is finished."

• Michelle explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering that Jesus endured on the cross
• The meaning behind Jesus's powerful declaration "It is finished" (tetelestai in Greek) as a victor's cry
• Reflection on how Jesus's sacrifice paid our debt in full and secured our salvation
• The assurance that, through faith in Jesus, believers will never experience separation from God
• An invitation to experience Easter joy that can fill our hearts every day

Michelle introduces her new Facebook group, "Selah Sisters," created as a gathering place for women to:

• Pause, reflect, and rest in God's promises (based on Romans 15:13)
• Share insights from Michelle's books "Promised Rest" and "Promised Hope"
• Learn Christian life coaching principles

Click here to join the Facebook Group

In this special Holy Week episode, Michelle Dericks offers a powerful reflection on Jesus's time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Through scripture and personal insights, Michelle helps listeners understand the depth of Christ's suffering and the incredible love behind His sacrifice.

Luke 22:39-46 (with references to parallel accounts in Matthew 26 and Mark 14)

• Jesus experienced extreme anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing the immense suffering He was about to face
• His agony was so intense that His sweat became like drops of blood (a condition called hematidrosis)
• Jesus took upon Himself not just our individual sins, but the sins of the entire world throughout all time
• Even in His deepest grief, Jesus submitted to the Father's will: "Not my will, but yours be done"
• God sent an angel to strengthen Jesus for the battle ahead
• Jesus endured this suffering because of His deep love for each of us

"If you are facing a trial or suffering in any way, please know that Jesus steps into your suffering with you and helps you to bear your burden. He will give you His strength to face each moment. You will never be alone."

Michelle has created a new Facebook group called "Selah Sisters" based on Romans 15:13. This community is designed as a gathering place where women can:

• Pause, reflect, and rest in God's promises
• Encourage one another
• Share insights from Michelle's books "Promised Rest" and "Promised Hope"
• Learn Christian life coaching principles

Click here to sign up for the group

A short bonus episode.

Episode Summary: Michelle Diercks shares personal insights and biblical wisdom about handling difficult relationships and overcoming bitterness. She discusses lessons learned from Dr. Edie Wadsworth's life mentoring program and her journey toward better relationship management.

Key Points: - Relationships with people are only as good as our thoughts about them - The importance of choosing which thoughts to dwell on - How bitterness and resentment primarily hurt ourselves - Biblical perspective on forgiveness and relationships - Managing recurring hurt from people who haven't apologized

Scripture References: - Ephesians 3:14-20 - Prayer for spiritual strength and understanding Christ's love - Ephesians 4 - Instructions on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness

Notable Quote: "I'm never going to look at someone that God doesn't love just as much as He loves me."

Upcoming Program: - Small Group Coaching Program: "Unshakeable Hope" (Click here) - Consultation calls available February 20-28, 2025 (Click here to schedule) - Program starts March 2nd - Free 30-minute Zoom consultations offered

Contact Information: - Website: michellediercks.com/contact - Available for both group and one-on-one coaching inquiries

Show Notes:

In this episode: - Middle-of-the-night worries and uncertainty in life's transitions - Michelle shares her journey through Troy's health challenges - Reading from "Promised Hope" about finding refuge in God's promises - Introduction to Christian Life Coaching and its transformative impact - Special invitation for a complimentary 30-minute discovery call (Feb 20-28)

Key Points: - Dealing with aging parents, adult children, and health challenges - Learning to find peace in God's promises during uncertain times - How thoughts create feelings and actions - Overview of the Unshakeable Hope group coaching program

Resources Mentioned: - Book: "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" - Scripture: Psalm 62:5-8 - Website: michellediercks.com/contact

Special Offer: Schedule your free 30-minute discovery call (Feb 20-28) to: - Learn more about the Unshakeable Hope group coaching program - Experience a mini coaching session - Ask questions about Christian Life Coaching

Connect with Michelle: [Website and social media links]

Would you like me to add or adjust anything in these show notes?

Are you struggling with the darkness and heaviness of winter? Does your mind feel as gray as the winter sky? In this special bonus episode, Michelle shares powerful insights about transforming our thoughts and finding joy even in challenging seasons. Learn how our thoughts create our feelings and discover practical tools for finding peace in God's presence.

Key Topics Covered: - How our thoughts create our feelings and influence our actions - Finding joy in winter through perspective shifts - Dealing with anxious thoughts and worry - The power of changing our thought patterns - Resting in God's promises during difficult seasons - Practical examples of thought transformation - The importance of treating adult children as heroes in their own stories

Featured Stories: - Michelle's personal journey with Troy's health challenges - The impact of changing thoughts on family relationships - Learning to trust God's timing and provision

Key Takeaways: 1. Our thoughts are responsible for how we feel 2. We can choose to reframe our perspective on challenging situations 3. When we change our thoughts, our feelings and actions naturally follow 4. God's presence provides peace even in uncertain circumstances 5. Treating others as the heroes of their own stories transforms relationships

Special Announcement: Starting March 2 - "Unshakeable Hope" Small Group Coaching Program - Learn to rest in God's unshakeable hope, joy, and peace - Combines teachings from "Promised Hope" with Christian life coaching tools - Special beta program pricing: $300 (Regular value: $1000+) - Weekly teachings, group coaching calls, and private Facebook community

➡️Learn More Here✝️

Free Resources through Michelle's Coaching Newsletter

➡️Sign up Here✝️ - Special PDF Journal with Bible reading plan - Prayer prompts - Guided meditation recording

Action Steps: 1. Listen to the entire episode for full context and stories 2. Sign up for the newsletter to receive your free journal 3. Learn more about the Unshakeable Hope program launching February 17th 4. Share this episode with someone who might need encouragement during this season

Episode Overview: Guest host Sharla Fritz interviews Michelle about Chapter 4 of her new book "Promised Hope," exploring the concept of God as our rock in times of uncertainty.

Notable Quotes: - "Even though my world felt shaken, I knew God could see beyond the uncertainty of this moment. God held everything together." - "Jesus as our rock will never be taken away. It cannot be destroyed." - "If he's helped me in those ways in the past, won't he continue to do that in the future? And the answer is yes."

Key Discussion Points: - Michelle's personal experience with her husband's hospitalization led to deeper reflection on God as our rock - The contrast between temporary foundations (money, health, relationships) vs. God as our unshakable foundation - The concept of "Selah moments" - sacred pauses to ground ourselves in God's presence - Story of Michelle's childhood experience with "fool's gold" and learning valuable lessons about true treasure

Scripture Focus: - Psalm 62:5-8 - "He only is my rock and my salvation..." - Psalm 18:1-2 - David's personal declarations of God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer

Practical Application - The Five R's of Reflection: 1. Rejoice - Practice gratitude and praise 2. Release - Let go of things we're holding too tightly 3. Reframe - Look at situations through the lens of God's character 4. Remember - Recall God's past faithfulness 5. Rest - Find peace in God's promises and presence

Book Details: - Title: "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" - Structure: 8 weeks of study, with 5 daily readings per week - Suitable for: Individual devotion, small groups, Bible studies, book clubs - Available at: CPH.org/promisedhope and Amazon

Additional Resources: - Free first chapter available at CPH.org/promisedhope - Order on Amazon

Tired of feeling stuck in winter weariness? Join me for this transformative workshop where you'll discover:

✨ Why your thoughts might be keeping you trapped in weariness

✨ How to begin shifting from overwhelm to hope

✨ Simple tools to experience more joy in your daily life

✨ The peace that comes from resting in God's faithfulness

When: Monday, January 27th at 7:00 p.m. CST

Registration - Limited Spots Available!

Please sign up for the workshop below to be added to the email list to receive the information. Important: Please check your spam folder if you don't receive your confirmation email.

Click here ➡️ to sign up for the workshop!