What to Do When Life Falls Apart: Finding Peace in the Rubble Through Faith<br/><br/> | Daughter of Delight | Bible Devotions & Tools For Women of Faith

“When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of the heavens.” — Nehemiah 1:4 (CSB)

Early one Friday morning, a storm rolled in with thunder, wind, and a tornado warning only 16 miles away. As my husband and I watched the skies, he noticed something missing in the distance. The mill shed was gone.

For context, a mill shed is a vital structure on a farm. It houses an oversized mixer—like a massive KitchenAid—that blends hay and other feed ingredients before loading them onto the truck to nourish the cattle. That shed wasn’t just a building. It was an essential piece of his daily operations—and now, it lay in rubble.

I could hear the weight of it all in his voice as he sat quietly in his chair, waiting for the storm to pass. I, too, felt the concern creeping in. I knew how tightly packed his days already were, and I began wondering how this loss would affect the rhythm of our lives.

So, I did what I’ve learned to do in moments like these—I went to my prayer room.

Finding Peace in the Middle of the Rubble

Later that evening, we sat down together and began to process everything that had happened. As we talked, something in his voice shifted. There was a sense of calm—of unexpected peace. And then, he said something that felt like a holy moment:

“God, what are You teaching me in this?”

That question changed everything.

What Nehemiah Teaches Us About Inner Rebuilding

In the book of Nehemiah, we see a powerful story of restoration. God used Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem—but before those physical walls were restored, God began by rebuilding the walls of Nehemiah’s heart.

Just like Nehemiah, we are often faced with unexpected burdens, broken plans, or overwhelming losses. But God is not absent in the rubble. He begins His work deep within us, quieting the chaos of our emotions with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

You Were Not Made for Survival Mode

If you’re in a season that feels overwhelming—where the pieces don’t seem to fit and the future feels unsure—know this:
God has not called you to live in survival mode.

You were made to be a conqueror in Christ Jesus.

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” — Romans 8:37

The enemy may try to convince you that the rubble is the end of the story, but God is a Master Builder. He rebuilds. He restores. And He renews our strength when we turn to Him.

Shift the Script with This Simple Prayer

Are you staring at a pile of broken plans, unexpected loss, or weary days?

I pray God gives you the strength to shift the script. That you would lift your eyes to Him, and instead of asking, “Why me?” you would ask,
“God, what are You teaching me in this?”

That prayer can transform your entire perspective. That prayer opens the door to peace.

Scripture to Plough Through the Rubble:

Esther 4:14–16 — For such a time as this.
Isaiah 40:31 — He renews the strength of those who wait on Him.
Psalm 46:1–3 — God is our refuge and strength, even when the earth gives way.
Romans 5:3–4 — Suffering produces endurance and hope.
Philippians 4:13 — You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
James 1:2–4, 12 — Let perseverance finish its work.

Final Encouragement

You may be walking through a storm, but friend, the peace of God is stronger than the winds that rage around you.
You may see rubble, but God sees a new beginning.
You may feel weary, but you were made to rise in the strength of Christ.

So rise. Shift the script. And watch God move.