Life is filled with challenges—mental, emotional, and spiritual storms that test our resilience and often strike when we feel most vulnerable. These storms take many forms, from financial or health anxieties to frustrations and overwhelming responsibilities. Regardless of their nature, difficulties are an inevitable part of life. Preparing for them in advance, rather than reacting in the moment, can cultivate peace and emotional stability.

In this episode of The Live From Rest Podcast, host Steve Smith explores the transformative truth that "the fight for the night is fought in the day." Drawing from his own experiences and profound insights, Steve offers practical strategies to face life’s storms before they arise, equipping listeners with tools to build mental and emotional resilience. From recognizing lies and meditating on truth to practicing gratitude and embracing the Sabbath, Steve provides a powerful roadmap to living from a place of rest, no matter the challenges ahead.

This episode speaks to anyone wrestling with anxiety, overwhelm, or spiritual struggles. Steve’s actionable advice empowers listeners to prepare their hearts and minds to weather life’s inevitable difficulties with confidence and grace. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply practical conversation, which offers fresh insights on finding strength, peace, and rest in a world full of challenges.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Learn practical strategies to build emotional resilience and prepare for life’s inevitable storms by recognizing lies, meditating on truth, and embracing gratitude and rest as powerful tools.
2. Gain valuable insights into how proactive preparation during calm moments can help you weather mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges with confidence and peace.
3. Reflect on the transformative idea that "the fight for the night is fought in the day," empowering you to take intentional steps toward living from a place of rest and strength.

Resources

• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• Course on Identity with Lucinda Smith — to be re-released in early 2025!
• Shelter of the Most High by Francis Frangipane
• Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller

Episode Highlights

The Battle for the Night is Fought in the Day

• Life’s inevitable difficulties shape our journey, testing our resilience and challenging us to grow stronger. These storms take many forms, from financial anxieties and relationship struggles to work pressures and health concerns.
• Steve draws from John 16, the reminder that Jesus has overcome the world provides a source of comfort and hope amid these challenges. 

Steve: “Troubles are a part of life, and Jesus told us that’s the case. In John chapter 16, He says, ‘In this world, you will have trouble. But fear not, I have overcome the world.”

• He adds a third certainty to life: trouble, and relates it to the phrase "the fight for the night is fought in the day."
  
  

The Importance of Building Mental and Emotional Resilience

• Steve shares his personal struggle with sleep and how he discovered the need to address mental battles during the day.
• It’s critical to address and manage our anxious thoughts before they escalate at night.
• Your mind is like a ship in harbor. Preparing for mental storms is like repairing it before facing the open sea.

Steve: “If we are going to be free from the storms of negativity, we must make the most of opportunities when, metaphorically speaking, the sea and skies are calm.”

• We need to identify calm periods in our lives. Those are the moments when we can strengthen and repair ourselves.
  
  

Recognizing the Battle and Understanding the Enemy

• Steve talks about the spiritual enemy who seeks to disturb peace with lies and accusations.
• The Bible has a powerful example of this: Peter's advice to be alert. We must always be ready to resist the devil, who prowls and stalks us like a lion.
• The devil's role in our lives is an accuser, as described in Revelation and John 8.
• Steven encourages recognizing and discarding lies by finding truths in the Bible that counteract them.
  
  

Meditation and Gratitude as Tools for Preparation

• Meditating on truth lets us counteract lies. The saying still holds: the truth will set you free.

Steve: “Recognize the lie and then find the truth, and simply hang out with the truth. Meditate on it, chew it over… the truth will set you free.”

• The Live from Rest app has useful meditations. Steve encourages that people use it as a tool for guidance.
• Steve’s own experience with gratitude journaling and has had powerful benefits in his life. He has enabled himself to see light despite the storm.
• Gratitude journaling is a great place to start. By recording five things we are grateful for, we can begin to recognize the truth that life is not as dark as it might seem.
  
  

Contending for Sabbath and Closeness to God

• Even God rested — we should remember the Sabbath as a principle for rest and protection from storms.
• Steve has an upcoming interview with Shelly Miller on establishing Sabbath in one's life.
• We are invited to go on a journey of practicing gratitude and Sabbath. As listeners, we can join Steven on this path to come closer to God.
• The book "Shelter of the Most High" is a powerful source of inspiration on closeness to God as a place of protection.
  
  

About Steve Smith

Steve Smith is a passionate advocate for finding rest and peace in a world filled with busyness and distraction. A medical doctor with a deep love for both science and faith, Steve brings a unique perspective to the intersection of spirituality, personal reflection, and the wonders of creation. Through his work on the Live from Rest podcast and app, he guides listeners to the glory of God by exploring timeless truths and practical approaches to living with intention and balance.

Drawing on his personal journey, Steve offers thought-provoking insights into the harmony between faith and the natural world. His reflections, grounded in scripture, encourage others to marvel at the intricacy of life and the universe as evidence of God’s design. Known for his relatable storytelling and thoughtful approach, Steve inspires listeners to find rest in the glory of God while navigating life’s challenges. Whether through his meditations, teachings, or reflections on faith, he equips audiences with tools to embrace peace, clarity, and resilience in their daily lives.

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Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. True rest begins when you prepare your mental and emotional resilience for life’s storms during moments of calm. Embrace gratitude, meditate on truth, and honor the rhythm of rest. Align your thoughts with these principles, and let them guide you toward resilience and a life lived from rest.

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