MY VICTORY VOYAGE || Steady in the Storm

In MY VICTORY VOYAGE I’m sharing the trials I’ve faced and how God’s faithfulness carried me through. Join me on the 2nd Friday of each month in 2025 as we reflect on His restoration and grace.

The storm isn’t just outside—it’s within me. When depression and anxiety take hold, a heavy cloud descends on my spirit, soul and body, leaving me feeling stifled and struggling to breathe.

This is when it is critical to turn to God’s Word. I go directly to the topical section in my Life Application Study Bible and find a verse that speaks to the moment—whether it’s fear, worry, sadness, or something else. When I discover a verse that resonates, I meditate on it, seeking specific applications for my situation.

When the storms of life affect our mental and spiritual health, it’s vital to remember that our identity is in Christ, not in the opinions or misconceptions of others. Experiencing anxiety or depression doesn’t diminish our faith. On the contrary, I believe it can help deepen our reliance on God if we allow it to by connecting ourselves to The Anchor—Jesus Christ!

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”    — Hebrews 6:19

An anchor secures a ship in turbulent waters, keeping it from capsizing or drifting away. It doesn’t stop the storm, but it keeps the ship from being destroyed. In the same way, God doesn’t always calm our storms immediately, but He anchors us in His love, promises and peace. When I feel tossed around by my emotions, I remind myself that I am anchored to Jesus!

Our journey through depression and anxiety isn’t always a straight path, nor is it always quick. But I’ve experienced the faithfulness of God in big and small ways—sometimes through the most unlikely people or events.

Holidays are often the most difficult. With loss of family and grandchildren far away that can be a challenging season. During those times, I lean into the Lord, trusting that even small steps forward are progress.

Through my journey, I’ve discovered spiritual practices that help me connect with God and steady my heart when the storm feels overwhelming. These practices have been a source of comfort and growth, and I want to share them with you.

Spiritual Practices

Soaking Worship: Lay down or sit quietly and listen to a worship song like the one attached below. Giving everything to God while praising Him in those few minutes brings peace.

Breath Prayers: Sit quietly and inhale, saying, “Lord, You are my peace.” Then exhale, saying, “I trust in You.”

Journal Your Prayers and Victories: Writing even just a few words each day can help you process your feelings, challenges, and resolutions. Looking back to see answered prayers reveals how and where God has been faithful in your journey.

Scripture Meditation: God’s Word has the power to calm your mind while also reminding you that He is present with you. If you don’t know where to start, write down the verse below on a simple 3×5 card or Sticky note. Repeat it to yourself during anxious moments—it will help.

I was very worried. But you comforted me and made me happy. ~ Psalm 94:19 (New Century Version)

Dear reader, you’re not alone in this journey. If you’re facing a storm, remember that God is your anchor. His promises are firm and secure, no matter the waves. Join me here next month as we continue our Victory Voyage, trusting in His faithfulness together.

Spend a few minutes in soaking worship with this beautiful video by Hillsong Worship. It will redirect your heart out of the storm to God’s peace. Be blessed… Tamara

VICTORY VERSES: From Glory to Glory

In VICTORY VERSES, we will explore key Bible verses that have guided my life recovery journey since 2005. After sharing how these verses impacted me, we will dive into their meaning and how they bring lasting victory. This column publishes on the 3rd Friday of each month in 2025.

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 (NIV)

In early 2006 I purchased an Amplified Bible from Joyce Meyer’s ministry. I hadn’t read that version much before that. So, when I began reading it, I was pulled in, especially to the Apostle Paul’s writings in the New Testament.

Soon after that I had to take my elderly mother to a doctor appointment to get her Rx refills. She had been diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Sadly, at this point in our relationship she was more like my daughter than my mother.

That day, I took my new Amplified Bible with me to read while waiting. I remember so well, how Mother was sitting on the exam table with her feet dangling like a little girl. The doctor was writing out mother’s Rx and completing his notes. Suddenly, I sparked up with excitement as I discovered today’s verse.  I said, “Momma, listen to this!” Then I read it aloud. She and the doctor both listened intently. Afterward, I remarked, “Isn’t that an amazing scripture?”  Mother said, “Yes, that is.” And the doctor nodded his head thoughtfully like it touched him as well.

After that day, I wrote the verse on a 3×5 file card and quickly began to daily meditate, internalize and apply all the truth within those words to my life. It became my first “Life Verse” and has been the passage of scripture that has gotten me through some of the hardest days of my life over the last 20 years.

Fresh takeaways as I reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 today:

    • We must see the temporal trials of our life in the light of the victory we have in eternity with Christ.
    • We must remember that the afflictions produce God’s glory in our life that is far greater than anything the affliction could ever be!

In 2019, I spent an entire year in a series of posts diving into a deep study of . I encourage you to take some time to read through that series. Meditate on the passage, internalize and apply its truth to your own life. God can use it to bring your victory over your afflictions!

Be blessed by this beautiful worship song by Bethel Music and William Matthews