Thriving in the Tension: How to Flourish When Life Feels Chaotic

Sharing is Caring!

Have you ever looked at your calendar, your to-do list, your laundry pile—and just wanted to crawl under the covers with a chocolate bar and your Bible? If so, you’re not alone. Honestly, this is often the very moment we’re invited to flourish when life feels chaotic—not by fixing everything, but by learning to grow right in the mess.

There are days when I wonder how I’ll make it through the month—let alone the next hour. I set the goals, make the plan, color-code the calendar, and still… chaos has a way of sneaking in like a toddler with sticky hands.

And it’s in those moments—right smack in the mess—that I’ve learned the most about how to flourish when life feels chaotic.

What Does It Mean to Flourish When Life Feels Chaotic?

The word flourish means to grow or develop in a healthy and vigorous way—especially when the environment is favorable. And let’s be real: environment does matter. It’s not always about having the perfect setting, but ignoring your surroundings can absolutely stunt your growth.

Psalm 92:12–15 says:

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree... planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish... They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”

I recently read a commentary that said palm trees don’t even start producing fruit until they’re about 30 years old—and the older they get, the more fruitful they become. If that doesn’t speak to the weary heart wondering if she’s “past her prime,” I don’t know what will.

How Your Environment Impacts Spiritual Growth

Speaking from experience—if my house is a wreck, with things scattered everywhere and no sense of order (even if it’s not spotless), my anxiety goes through the roof. The noise, the mess, the chaos… it all compounds.

If there’s constant tension between you and your spouse—short answers, raised voices, emotional distance—it’s hard to find peace, let alone flourish.

If your interactions with your kids feel more reactive than intentional, or you haven’t had a moment to just be with them, that starts to wear on your heart. And let’s be honest, when our time with the Lord is missing or rushed, our roots feel dry and disconnected.

It’s like a plant—without water and light, it begins to wilt. Same with us.

But here’s what I’ve learned: even when the environment isn’t ideal, small changes make a big difference. A five-minute tidy-up. A deep breath before reacting. A whispered prayer over the dishes. A cup of coffee and one Psalm.

Sometimes the soil is rocky, but roots still grow deep when they’re searching for the Living Water.

Before we dive into the practical, let’s be honest—chaos isn’t always external. Sometimes it’s the storm swirling inside us that makes everything harder. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait for calm to grow in grace.

When Chaos Takes Over: Learning to Flourish Anyway

This year did not go as planned. We didn’t set out to homeschool. My son and I are two totally different creatures—he’s free as a bird; I’m “let’s get it done and do it efficiently.” It’s stretched me in ways I didn’t know I needed stretching.

I inherited my mama’s go-getter personality: list-maker, perfectionist, fixer. And while those traits can be a gift, they also make it hard to breathe when the plan falls apart.

But here’s the shift I’ve been learning: flourishing doesn’t mean everything’s perfect. It means leaning in—even when nothing looks like you expected.

God doesn’t call us to perfect routines. He calls us to His presence. That’s where real growth begins.

How to Flourish When Life Feels Chaotic: Practical Ways to Grow

1. Start Your Day with the Word to Flourish Spiritually

I know—you’re tired. You’ve got littles clinging to your legs or teens who test your nerves. But I promise, five minutes in the Word can shift your entire day. Sing while you rock the baby. Pray while you stir the soup. Whisper Scriptures while you drive. The Lord hears it all.

And believe me, I’ve seen what happens when I don’t start my day with Him. It’s not pretty.

Even if it feels like you’re only catching tiny moments of truth, those moments stack up. They form the foundation that helps you flourish when life feels chaotic.

2. Stop and Smell the Roses (Literally)

The other day, my daughter looked at me and said, “Mom, you’re always busy doing something.”

Ouch.

I thought I was managing things well—meal prepping, homeschooling, blogging, ministry-ing. But sometimes, the best thing I can do is pause. Sit. Look her in the eyes. Go outside and breathe.

Even homeschool looks different for us now. Less “sit still and do the workbook,” more “go outside and count the frogs.”

Let’s be honest—a walk in the yard or five minutes on the porch with a cup of tea can do wonders for a weary soul.

3. Schedule Time for You

This one feels impossible. But it’s not selfish—it’s survival.

I talked about this in my hormone support blend post, and let me tell you—I know this works because I’ve lived it. I still do. There are days I’ve had to step away, close my bedroom door, and grab a hot shower while my husband takes over with the kids. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity. I’ve learned that I have to check out for a minute so I can come back refreshed and ready to pour into my family again.

Even if it’s just five minutes with the door closed and the diffuser going, or a few deep breaths behind the bathroom door—take the time. You cannot pour from an empty cup. (And if you’re running on caffeine and fumes… I see you. Been there.)

You don’t need a weekend getaway to rest. Sometimes, it’s just a foot soak and a deep breath in the middle of a chaotic Tuesday.

Want to try my go-to hormone support blend? Click here for the full recipe gift set you can DIY or give to a fellow mom who needs a break.

4. Connect With Other Women in the Word

Flourishing in chaos often comes down to community. Whether it’s your church small group, a mom friend who brings over coffee, or someone who simply reminds you to breathe—we weren’t meant to do life alone.

Even a text that says, “Praying for you” can reset your entire perspective.

Not sure where to begin? That’s why I created my 5-Day Devotional for Women Who Do It All. It’s short, grace-filled, and designed for busy hearts who need real refreshment.

5. Don’t Forget—You’re Still Growing

Psalm 92 reminds us that even in old age, the righteous will bear fruit. That means you’re not done yet. Whether you’re 25 or 65, your roots go deeper, your faith grows stronger, and your influence becomes richer.

And those grays? Proverbs 16:31 calls them a crown of splendor. (If that’s true, then I must be royalty.)

“The Lord is upright; He is my Rock.”
—Psalm 92:15

That’s the secret right there. It’s not in the planner. It’s not in the perfect routine. It’s in Him.

When we anchor ourselves in His truth, we flourish in ways that schedules and systems never could.

You Can Flourish When Life Feels Chaotic

You may not feel like you’re flourishing right now. You might feel more like you’re floundering. But if you’re rooted in Christ, you are growing—right in the middle of the mess.

Psalm 1:3 reminds us, 

"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." 

This verse is such a beautiful picture of what it means to flourish when life feels chaotic—our surroundings may shift, but when we’re rooted in God, we can still thrive. When we dig in deep—even when the ground feels shaky—our roots tap into something stronger than ourselves. Our fruit will be greater when we flourish in the middle, not just when things feel stable.

And friend, God is right there with you—in the middle of the noise, the laundry, the tears, the laughter. The greatest relief you can find in the chaos isn’t always control—it’s praise. Lifting your hands, your heart, and your voice to Him even when you don’t know what’s next.

So take heart. Even if your calendar is a disaster and your kitchen looks like a flour bomb exploded… you’re still blooming.

God’s grace isn’t reserved for peaceful mornings and tidy houses. It shows up in spilled coffee, broken routines, and the beautiful chaos of raising a family and walking in faith.

You were made to flourish. Not when things are perfect—but right here, right now.

💛 Hungry for more Christ-centered homemaking encouragement?

Browse the Homemaking section of the blog for practical tips, routines, and faith-filled inspiration to help you thrive in every season at home.

Ready for More Encouragement?

👉 Grab your 5-Day Devotional for Women Who Do It All
👉 Need a moment of calm? Try our DIY Essential Oil Gift Set for Moms

And don’t forget to subscribe to the Stay Rooted email for weekly encouragement (and a little real-life humor too).

Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are!