There is a kind of exhaustion that doesn’t come from doing too much, but from holding too much inside. It lives in the chest, tight and unmoving, formed by thoughts that never quite find words and decisions that never feel safe enough to make. For many young adults today, the world does not feel short on opinions—it feels overwhelming with them. Every conversation carries weight. Every response feels like it might be the wrong one. And so, silence begins to feel safer than speech.

This is not laziness and it is not indifference. Rather this is a fear that is often referred to as avoidance issues and it’s a fear that’s quiet, thoughtful, and deeply human.

Many have learned that speaking invites misunderstanding, that sharing invites judgment, and that disagreement can cost relationships. So they wait. They listen. They internalize. They tell themselves they are being careful, when in truth they are becoming invisible to their own growth. Over time, the voice grows faint—not because it was wrong, but because it was never practiced.

Yet Scripture never calls us to disappear.

“The Lord will guide you always.”

— Isaiah 58:11

Guidance implies movement. Direction implies choice. And voice, while gentle and thoughtful is a part of how we walk forward.

There is nothing unfaithful about having questions. There is nothing rebellious about seeing the world differently. Maturity does not come from uniformity; it comes from learning how to listen well, speak wisely, and remain rooted while engaging with others. We are shaped not only by what we believe, but by how we learn to express it with grace. Thus, before confidence comes courage, and before courage comes stillness and self-control.

Prayer is not an escape from thinking—it is the place where thinking is steadied. Because in prayer, your breath slows and the nervous system is able to quiet itself. Only then does fear loosen its grip. And what remains is clarity—not always answers, but peace enough to take the next step, even if it’s a small one.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”

— Psalm 37:5

And after prayer comes contemplation. Not the kind of contemplation that comes from overthinking but rather the kind of contemplation that considers making that next step, whether it’s talking to a family member who you haven’t seen in a while or an even bigger step in taking on the confidence to become more assertive. And that right there is among the most desirable qualities that is lacking in present generations today, because of fear.

Anyway, after contemplation comes voice. Not a loud voice, nor a combative one. But rather a grounded one. A voice that says, “This is how I see it,” without apology. A voice that can listen without collapsing under fear or pressure. And a voice that understands that disagreement is not rejection.

Growth and maturity happens when we allow ourselves to be formed through conversation and not fractured by fear. When we speak, we learn. When we listen, we mature. When we engage, we grow and discover that our voice (like our faith) was never meant to stay hidden.

And if today feels too loud to choose, let this be enough for now. Just breathe. Pray. Be still. And know that you do not have to decide everything at once. Only do not silence yourself out of fear. For your voice matters. And not because it is perfect, but because it is yours and your friends, family and even others needs to hear from you. It’s important and you are important.

She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

—Proverbs 3:15

🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord,

For the ones who feel overwhelmed by choice and afraid of saying the wrong thing, quiet their hearts. Teach them to breathe again. Meet them in prayer, where fear loosens and clarity grows. Give them wisdom to listen well and courage to speak gently. Help them trust that growth comes through engagement, not withdrawal, and that You are present even when they find their voice slowly. In Jesus Name, Amen.

☕ Buy Me A Coffee

If Peace in the Storm has helped you slow your thoughts, steady your heart, or feel less alone in the weight you’re carrying, I invite you to support this work through Buy Me A Coffee. Your tips allow me to keep writing, praying, and creating spaces like this—where thoughtful faith, gentle growth, and honest conversation are welcomed. Every cup helps sustain this quiet ministry. Thank you for being here.