Have you ever felt like stress was running the show—pulling the strings on your thoughts, your body, even your faith? I know I have. In this episode, I chat with author and pastor Charles Stone to talk about what stress really is, why it sticks around, and how we can respond in ways that heal rather than harm. We explore powerful, practical tools to deal with stress grounded in both Scripture and neuroscience—including what it means to “soak your soul,” how monks can teach us to pause, and why your stress might be trying to tell you something deeper.

Stress is like a coin. One side is the event—that thing that blindsides you at work, the argument that sits heavy in your chest, or the endless to-do list. But the flip side? That’s your response. And that’s where hope lives.

In his practical and grace-filled book Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety, Charles Stone shares how we can manage our stress response—physiologically, emotionally, and spiritually—without it managing us. With insights rooted in neuroscience and biblical truth, the message is clear: stress doesn’t have to define you, but it can refine you.

Here are a few key takeaways to help you start finding calm in the chaos.

Stress is your brain and body’s natural reaction to a perceived threat or demand. It shows up in two main forms:

When we encounter stress, our sympathetic nervous system kicks in—revving us up for action. This releases cortisol, a hormone we need in moderation. But if cortisol remains elevated for too long, even if the threat is only perceived, it can take a toll on your body, relationships, and even your spiritual life.

Even Jesus—fully God, yet fully human—regularly took time to be alone with the Father. If he needed those quiet moments, how much more do we?

Charles introduces the concept of “soaking your soul”—intentional time in God’s presence through spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, contemplation, and rest. These aren’t just feel-good rituals; science confirms that they help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms you down and lowers your stress response. According to Charles, “God wired us so that soaking our soul actually reduces our stress response.”

So if you feel distant from God, know this: He hasn’t left. Sometimes, like the prophet Elijah when his stress got the best of him, it’s as simple as needing a snack, a nap… or time to breathe and be still.

The book outlines nine neuroscience-backed habits for stress resilience. But don’t try to tackle them all at once—Charles encourages readers to focus on just one to three that resonate. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

Some of these habits include:

We can’t always know what’s coming. But in Psalm 125:1, David reminds us that those who trust in the Lord are as secure as a mountain. That kind of certainty doesn’t come from ruminating or problem-solving—it comes from surrender.

Charles reminds us, “God is who He says He is. He loves you. His Word is true.”

That’s where we anchor ourselves when life spins sideways.

Whether you’re in a season of chronic stress or just trying to make it through the day, there’s hope. With biblical rhythms, brain science, and grace for your humanness, Stress Less offers tools to help you deal with stress without it mastering you.

Remember: You were never meant to carry it all. God’s presence is the safest place to set it down.

 Listen to the full episode on the Christian Habits Podcast!

Charles Stone (MDiv, DMin, PhD) has served for forty-three years in vocational ministry, thirty of those years as a senior pastor. He recently completed a nine-year role as lead pastor of West Park Church in London, Ontario, Canada, a multicultural congregation with over a thousand attendees. He has authored eight books and now serves as a coaching consultant to pastors and leaders. Over three hundred of his articles have appeared in magazines and online in publications such as Outreach Magazine, Leadership Journal, Pastors.com, SermonCentral.com, and Churchleaders.com. Charles and his wife, Sherryl, have been married for forty-five years and have three adult children and five grandchildren. You can reach him through his website at www.charlesstone.com.

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What if the key to lasting change isn’t trying harder but thinking differently? If you’ve been trying to white-knuckle your way to freedom from habits and behaviors that hold you back, this conversation may be the breath of fresh air you need to reframe your approach. Listen as I chat with pastor and author Kyle Idleman about his upcoming book, Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back, and how renewing our minds—not just modifying our behavior—leads to true transformation.

For years, Kyle focused on behavior modification for changing his habits, but eventually realized this approach was missing something. “When we shift our thinking,” he said, “we begin to experience real freedom.” Like dieting, behavior change alone doesn’t last unless you address the thought patterns behind it.

We both agreed that taking thoughts captive—choosing truth over reaction—is the real work of transformation. Kyle pointed out that this kind of change isn’t quick or automatic. It takes intentionality, grace, and a willingness to stay the course.

Kyle shared his simple but powerful habit: starting and ending each day by renewing his mind. In the morning, he visualizes his day, thanks God for specific things, and speaks Scripture aloud. He did an experiment—one month with this habit and one month without—and found a dramatic difference in his peace, focus, and overall mindset.

Evening renewal helps him bring his thoughts back to truth before the day ends. “It may feel unnatural at the beginning,” he said, “but the more you do it, the more natural—and life-giving—it becomes.”

In Every Thought Captive, Kyle explores five common mental struggles: insecurity, distraction, offense, misplaced pleasure, and despair. He chose these because they’re universal—and they illustrate how transformation begins in the mind.

One story that stood out was when Kyle received a sharp email. His initial reaction was offense. But when he called the sender, he found out that person was in deep pain. That moment shifted everything. “It’s to your glory to overlook an offense,” Kyle said. It reminded me how renewing our thoughts helps us respond with grace instead of reactivity.

We also talked about distraction. Kyle shared how our culture’s constant noise makes intentional living harder—but even more necessary. He uses an app called ClearSpace (that gives him screen time for pushups) to help create healthy boundaries with technology.

Another strategy Kyle uses is an “exposure journal.” Like a food diary, it tracks what he’s consuming mentally. He explained, “What we expose ourselves to shapes our thoughts, which shape our emotions, relationships, and decisions.” That one insight alone is worth the listen.

Kyle also encouraged listeners to practice gratitude—something he stacks into his daily routine by thanking God in the shower. He keeps a gratitude journal and even practices what he calls “reverse engineering your blessings”—recognizing the chain of people and circumstances behind every good thing. It’s a gentle way to practice mindfulness and refocus on God’s grace.

Kyle’s book Every Thought Captive is supported by a small group curriculum on RightNow Media and other tools to help you walk this out. This curriculum is helpful for individuals and groups who want to grow together in intentional thinking.

You can find Kyle and his book on his website, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook by searching his name or Every Thought Captive.

Listen to the full episode on the Christian Habits Podcast.

Kyle Idleman is the senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest churches in America. On a normal weekend, he speaks to more than thirty thousand people spread across fifteen campuses. More than anything else, Kyle enjoys unearthing the teachings of Jesus and making them relevant in people’s lives. He is a frequent speaker for national conventions and influential churches across the country. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have been married for over thirty years. They have four children, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. They live on a farm in Kentucky, where Kyle doesn’t do any actual farming. You can learn more on his website at kyleidleman.com.

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Do you ever feel like you’re constantly racing through life—juggling work, family, ministry, and endless to-do lists—while your soul is quietly begging for rest? In today’s episode of the Christian Habits Podcast, I chat with author and Bible teacher Samantha Decker about her new book, Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God, and the journey God took her on as she learned how to live an unhurried life.

As a Bible teacher, writer, and mom of four who recently released her first book, Samantha has a deep understanding of why we need to intentionally practice slowing down. But Samantha says she didn’t set out to write a book. “It was really a step of obedience,” she shared. “The Lord used a verse in Haggai to get my attention—‘Consider your ways.’ I was doing all these good things—working, parenting, serving in church—but I wasn’t prioritizing what God was asking me to do.”

That moment sparked a shift. God invited Samantha to slow down—not just in her schedule, but in her soul. And that’s the heart of Unhurried—learning to pursue God’s purposes over our own plans.

Samantha is candid about the ongoing nature of this journey. “I’m still the mom rushing to get my kids in the car,” she admitted with a laugh. But what’s changed is her posture. Instead of white-knuckling control over her days, she’s learning to ask God, “What do You have for me today?”

She talked about how slowing down often begins with small, faithful steps—like answering a phone call when you’d rather keep moving or carving out time for quiet prayer. “It’s like when the priests dipped their toes in the Jordan before the waters parted,” she said. “That first step matters.”

Samantha also offers very practical advice in her book, especially for people in different life seasons. Whether you work full time, stay at home, or fall somewhere in between, she shares thoughtful insights into how each of us can create margin.

“If you stay at home, maybe God is inviting you to ask what to say yes to and what to gently decline,” she said. “If you work full time, maybe there’s a routine—like stopping at the same coffee shop—that can become a space for reflection or relationship.”

Having too much unstructured time can lead to its own kind of hurry. Even in my season of life, I can still feel pressured to fill the day with work or activity. Samantha reminded me—and all of us—that even Jesus modeled both work and rest. “He withdrew to be with the Father,” she said. “That rhythm of working and resting with God at the center—that’s what we’re aiming for.”

I asked Samantha whether she thought hurriedness was only a problem for high-achievers. Her response was so insightful. “I think we all struggle,” she said. “Our culture rewards busyness and achievement. And anytime we’re trying to control our days without asking God what He wants for us, we’re stepping into that hurried mindset—whether we’re type A or type B.”

That resonated with me deeply. As a type B person, I know how procrastination can create its own brand of franticness. Samantha shared how she and her sister—who are opposites in personality—often remind each other of what really matters. “She tells me to slow down. I remind her not to wait too long. We help balance each other.”

So how do we begin to live a slower, more intentional life? Samantha’s advice was beautifully simple: “Right when you wake up, ask God, ‘What do You have for me today?’”

She encouraged us to start the day with prayer, Scripture, or even a moment of silence. “It’s a posture of surrender,” she explained. “Instead of leading with your to-do list, you begin under God’s Lordship. That question alone can reorient your entire day.”

I’ve practiced this myself during work struggles—pausing to pray and asking God for direction. More often than not, He brings clarity. It’s amazing what a simple question can do.

I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Samantha. You can find Unhurried wherever books are sold, and the audiobook just released as well!

You can also connect with Samantha on Instagram @samanthadeckerwrites or at her website, samanthadeckerwrites.com.

If you’ve been feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or unsure how to slow down, I hope this episode is an encouragement. The invitation to live unhurried isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters, with God leading the way.

Listen to the full episode on the Christian Habits Podcast!

Samantha Decker is a wife, mom, writer, Bible teacher, and above all, a follower of Jesus. She is passionate about encouraging believers to deepen their walk with Jesus through discipleship relationships and an unrelenting love for the Word of God. She and her husband, Dustin, live in Oklahoma and enjoy serving in their local church, trying new restaurants (especially if it’s Tex-Mex), and adventuring with their three rambunctious boys and baby girl. You can connect with her at samanthadeckerwrites.com.

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Have you ever been in a season of waiting that feels as though it will never end? Whether you want to begin a family, meet a life partner, find your perfect career, or anything else, waiting can be excruciating—or fertile ground for personal and spiritual growth. In this episode of the Christian Habits Podcast, author and podcaster Rebecca George shares insights from her new book, You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry-Up World. Learn to reframe the struggles of waiting and how to find true happiness and joy in a relationship with Christ.

Rebecca George is the founder of Radical Radiance®, a podcast community where listeners are equipped to blend what they love with the Jesus who makes them shine. She is a podcaster, speaker, and author whose greatest joy in life is discipling others to pursue their passions in a way that builds the Kingdom. In her free time you can find her running outside, writing, or trying a new recipe with 90s country playing in the background. You can connect with her on IG at @rebeccageorgeauthor or at radicalradiance.live!

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Does clutter feel like a never-ending battle? If so, you’re not alone! My guest today on The Christian Habits Podcast, Dana K. White, knows exactly what it’s like to struggle with a messy home and the frustration that comes with it. Unlike traditional organizing experts, Dana has lived the chaos and found simple, realistic ways to bring order without feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, she shares practical tips and encouragement for creatives (and anyone who struggles with organization overwhelm) to help you break free from clutter and create a home that works for you.

Dana K. White is the creator of the No Mess Decluttering Process and the author of Decluttering at the Speed of Life (a Wall Street Journal bestseller). She’s also a speaker, podcaster, YouTuber, and (much to her own surprise) a Decluttering Expert. Connect with Dana on her website at www.aslobcomesclean.com.

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When we go through a difficult season, it’s tempting to wallow in self-pity or assume that God has abandoned us. But what if, instead, He is using that time to do a great work in us and give us gifts we’d never have experienced otherwise? Today’s guest, Tyler Staton, learned this lesson first-hand when he went through a cancer battle while writing his latest book, The Familiar Stranger, about the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on what he calls “redemptive suffering” and how we can grow closer to God through ordinary practices to enhance our discernment and relationship with Him.

Tyler Staton is the Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, where he lives with his wife Kirsten, and their sons Hank, Simon, and Amos. He is passionate about living prayerfully and relationally. Tyler is the author of three books: Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, Searching for Enough, and The Familiar Stranger. Connect with Tyler on his website at tylerstaton.com.

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Do you ever say, “I can’t believe I’ve been a Christian for x number of years and I’m still struggling with this?” Are you reluctant to work on transformation because you’re afraid you’ll fail like you did last time? Do you have some area of your life where you feel stuck?

My guess is that we can all answer “yes” to at least one of those questions. It’s discouraging to fail over and over again.

Romans 12:2 tells us that the answer to our struggles is to renew our minds. But there are two problems with this approach: 1) We don’t necessarily know what that means or 2) we do know how to renew our minds but we can’t make ourselves do it consistently enough to see transformation.

My 7-Week Master Class on Transformation will help you with both of those problems. We’ll get together, each choose an area of our lives to work on, and work together on transformation.

Here are a few areas you may want to work on during this transformation class:

No matter what practical area you choose to work on, God will use the transformation process to help you achieve the following goals:

Here are a few features of the class:

The class will begin on January 28, 2025. We will meet weekly for 7 sessions on Tuesdays at 12:00 EST. Each class will be be 1 to 1 1/2 hours long.

If you can’t make the live sessions, I’ll have a replay available by the next day, possibly sooner. The replays will be available until at least 6/1/25, possibly longer, so that you have time to do the class. I will also have an online get together on February 4th at 8:30 PM EST for those who can’t make it during the day to help you find accountability partners.

Although classes like this are often quite expensive, I want everyone to be able to take it, so I’m offering the class at $27 USD.

Yes, the deadline is January 28, 2025. This is not an on-demand class so even if you plan to take it later, you’ll need to sign up now so I can email you links to the class videos and homework each week.

To get started, go to the product purchase page by clicking on the button below.

Click here to sign up for the class!

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Becoming an empty nester can be a challenging time—full of bittersweet goodbyes, new routines, and a lot of questions about what’s next. My guest today on The Christian Habits Podcast, Jill Savage, knows this season well and brings wisdom and encouragement for navigating it with faith and purpose. In this episode, she shares practical insights from her book, Empty Nest, Full Life, on how to let go, grab hold of what matters most, and build a fulfilling life in the empty nest season.

Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging families. She is the author or co-author of fourteen books including Professionalizing Motherhood, My Hearts At Home, Real Moms…Real Jesus, Living With Less So Your Family Has More, No More Perfect Moms, No More Perfect Marriages (with her husband Mark), and her most recent release Empty Nest Full Life.

Featured on Focus on the Family, Crosswalk.com, Family Life Today and Today’s Christian Woman magazine, Jill is the founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that encouraged moms from 1994-2017. Jill and her husband, Mark, have five children, three who are married, and eight grandchildren. They make their home in Normal, Illinois.

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We all experience low points in life; we try our very best to avoid them, but they come anyway! We recoil from the pain, the disappointments, and the difficulties that we face. However, what would happen if we viewed these trials as invitations to experience God? My guest today on the Christian Habits Podcast, Strahan Coleman, has learned to do just that through his many years of chronic illness. Moment by moment, God will meet us in our pain.

Strahan Coleman is a writer, poet, and musician living in Aotearoa, New Zealand with his wife and three young boys. Through years of chronic illness, Strahan discovered a friendship with God filled with vulnerability, honesty and unceasing prayer, and now spends his time teaching and providing spaces of deep, rich, Spirit-led prayer for others through his books, prayer schools and spiritual retreats. In his latest work, Thirsting: Quenching Our Soul’s Deepest Desire, Strahan invites his readers to, like him, learn to transform the ache of our lives into our truest prayers, liberating the fire within us to become our greatest gift – our divine homing beacon. Connect with Strahan Coleman at commonerscommunion.com, on Instagram: @commoners_communion, @strahanmusic, or on Spotify.

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Most of us realize that our screens are consuming us. We know we should cut back on our screen-time but are at a loss for how to start. My guest on the Christian Habits Podcast today, Hannah Brencher, started off with a 1,000 hour screen-free challenge, and she hasn’t looked back since this pivotal life-change. Hannah gives practical tips as well as inspiration to start putting down our phones and re-discovering the world around us!

©Taylor Zorzi / Zorzi Creative

Hannah Brencher is a writer, TED speaker, and entrepreneur. She founded The World Needs More Love Letters, a global community dedicated to sending letter bundles to those who need encouragement. Named as one of the White House’s “Women Working to Do Good,” Hannah has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Oprah, Glamour, USATODAY.com, the Chicago Tribune, and more. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Lane, and daughter Novalee. Find Hannah at hannahbrencher.com. Connect with Hannah on Instagram, Facebook,or Pinterest.

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