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How to Find Peace When You’re Tired of Holding It All Together (Exodus 14:14 Art Reflection)
I don’t know how to “take it easy.”
Rest does not come naturally to me. My instinct is always to keep going and try harder… especially when something matters to me. I’ll keep planning, working, worrying, and overthinking… as if those things will somehow guarantee the outcome I want.
But I’ve been realizing how exhausting that loop is. Underneath all that effort is a misbelief: that everything depends entirely on me.
And honestly, that pressure has been so overwhelming.
Sitting with the Discomfort of Rest
Exodus 14:14 says:
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
But being still feels uncomfortable… especially when life seems uncertain.
When there are prayers unanswered, decisions unresolved, and fears asking for your attention… part of you wants to keep striving because it feels more “productive” than resting.
But I’m learning to sit with that discomfort. I’m learning that trust looks like praying instead of panicking. It looks like taking the next small step without stressing over the outcome… and remembering that God sees the full picture when I only see the fragments.
There are many things entirely beyond my control, but none of them are beyond His. That is where true peace begins: in knowing I don’t have to carry the weight of everything alone.
Behind the Art: Watching the Tide Turn
When creating this hand-drawn modern Christian art, I wanted to focus on the blissfulness and lightness that comes when you finally drop a heavy burden. I used a gritty, textured collage-inspired aesthetic… our lives are often made of fragmented pieces may feel messy but there’s beauty when God is in the picture.
To bring a sense of joy and calm to this Scripture truth, I drew summer coastal ocean beach theme doodles:
- Seals with Cute Bows and a Sea Turtle: These coastal animals represent life at an unhurried pace. I think of a seal resting on the shore or a sea turtle moving through the water… how there’s a sense of stillness and playfulness. No rush or panic… They remind me that I can rest safely on the shores of God’s grace.
- Fish, Coral, and Starfishes: These ocean creatures remind me of the hidden life and beauty beneath the surface. Even when I can’t see what God is doing, reminders of His lovingkindness and faithfulness are always present around me.
- Celestial Rainbows and Retro Bubble-Inspired Letters: I chose a playful, retro style for the faith quote “the Lord will fight for you stay calm” because God’s promises should bring a sense of cozy comfort and blissful relief.
Hand-lettering these words felt like a reminder that God is able to do what I cannot. He can open doors I could never force open, redeem the parts of my story I still don’t understand, and bring purpose from the seasons that felt useless.
Work From Trust, Not Anxiety
I still care deeply about the things on my heart like this journey as an illustrator building things from ground up. I still want to work faithfully and wholeheartedly. But I don’t want fear to be my fuel anymore. I want to learn how to work from trust in Him… not anxiety over my situation.
If you’ve been feeling tired from trying to hold everything together too, let this be your reminder today: You do not have to fight these battles in your own strength. You can leave everything safely in God’s hands. And when you leave everything that bothers you in God’s hands… you’ll start to see His hands in everything.
A Simple Reflection for Your Day
- What’s one area of your life where you’ve been fighting a battle in your own strength? Would you be willing to consciously entrust it into God’s hands and simply choose to be before Him today?
- Notice how the coastal animals in the artwork are at rest, flowing with the waves rather than fighting it. Where is God inviting you to stop fighting the current and instead allow His strength to propel you forward?
FAQ: What Does it Mean to “Be Still”?
Does Exodus 14:14 mean Christians should never take action?
No. In the context of Exodus, God was telling the Israelites to stop panicking and pushing forward in fear. Being still means silencing your inner fears, worries, and anxieties by looking to the Lord, and following His direction. We still act and work, but we do it out of peace, and trust in His guidance, not panic and striving.
How can I be still and stay calm when things around me are uncertain?
Choosing to be still starts by acknowledging your feelings or misbeliefs about being still – that it isn’t wrong to do so, that it’s not being irresponsible. When you feel the urge to overwork or fix a situation out of fear, choose to pause and read a comforting scripture like Exodus 14:14 or Psalm 46:10. It’s an exercise in letting God be in control, knowing that His plans are always better than yours.
What does it mean by “the Lord will fight for you”?
It means that God takes responsibility for your ultimate security, validation, and purpose. You don’t have to defend yourself, force open closed doors, or manipulate circumstances. God uses His sovereign power to clear the path that is best for your soul.
You Can Let Go Today
You don’t have to carry the burden of the finish line today. You can simply rest in His presence and trust that He is fighting for you, even in the silence. You are loved. You are seen. And you are safe in His mighty hands.
— Nicole
A Little Invitation
If your mind has been feeling a bit crowded with things you’re trying to fix, I share creative reflections and simple journal prompts in my free studio letter. It’s a cozy space where we practice the art of letting go together through scripture and doodles. You’re so welcome to join us below!
