Instead of Doing More This Summer, Maybe You Need to Do Less

If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, depleted, or just quietly wondering where God is in the middle of a very full life — this episode is for you. And honestly? It might be for me too, because I'm recording this in one of those seasons myself.

Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.

Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.

I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years:

• 2 Corinthians 4:1 — "Since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." Everything we do is through His mercy, not our striving.
• 2 Corinthians 4:7–9 — "We have this treasure in jars of clay." Life is hard — not might be hard. But hard-pressed is not crushed. Perplexed is not despairing.
• Isaiah 40:28–29 — "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Your only qualification for this promise is that you need it.
• 1 Peter 5:6–7 — "Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you." All of it. No anxiety too small, too irrational, or too shameful to hand over.
• Galatians 6:9 — "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." God sees every seed you're planting in this season. None of it is wasted.

This summer, we'll be replaying some favorite episodes while I try to practice what I'm preaching and be present for this last summer with my youngest at home. I'll miss you, but I trust God's Word is living and active, which means an episode from three years ago can still fall fresh on your heart today.

Want More?

• 📖 Scriptures to write out this week: 2 Corinthians 4:1; 4:7–9; Isaiah 40:28–29; 1 Peter 5:6–7; Galatians 6:9; Psalm 119:11
• Practice mentioned: Handwriting scripture on Post-it notes or index cards on a ring — place them somewhere you'll see them every day
• Book mentioned: Not What I Signed Up For by Nicole Unice — for unresolved, unexpected, or weary seasons. Available wherever books are sold
• Sign up for Nicole's monthly newsletter at NicoleUnice.com — the best way to stay connected over the summer and let Nicole know what you'd love to study next
• While Nicole is on summer break, catch up on favorite past episodes right here on the podcast feed.
• Stay connected and access resources at NicoleUnice.com/realtalk

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