Peace Over Perfection | Christian podcast | Devotional | Scripture, Biblical Encouragement, Bible Verses for Anxiety, Biblical Application | Trusting God

19 | You Were Made for Relationship, Not Religion

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—going to church, reading your Bible, volunteering—but still feel like something’s missing?
This week, we’re talking about what it really means to know God. Not just know about Him, but to actually have a relationship with Him.
Because somewhere along the way, faith can start to feel like a checklist instead of a connection. We read, serve, pray, and still wonder why God feels far away. But the truth is, God never asked for religion. He asked for relationship.
In this episode:
✨ Why faith feels empty when it becomes routine✨ The difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him✨ What Jesus meant when He described Himself as the Bridegroom✨ How to move from “doing” for God to simply being with Him✨ Three simple ways to grow a real relationship with God
This conversation isn’t about trying harder or doing more.It’s about slowing down long enough to remember that God doesn’t want our perfection — He wants our hearts.
📚 Resources Mentioned
⛪️ Easter Message by Pastor Chris Hodges
🛒 My favorite Things → Amazon Storefront
📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course
💌 Connect With Me
📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire
 

18 | A Peaceful Morning Routine With God (No 5 a.m. Wake-Up Required)

Do you wake up already stressed—before your feet even hit the floor?When your alarm goes off, does your mind immediately jump to what could go wrong today?
What if your mornings could start differently? What if instead of rushing into chaos, you started your day with calm, gratitude, and peace?
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about how to start your day with peace — not by getting up at 5 a.m. or forcing a perfect routine, but through a few simple habits that help you invite God into your morning and steady your heart before the day begins.
You’ll learn:✨ Why your first few minutes after waking up matter more than you think✨ How to invite God into your morning with gratitude and prayer✨ A simple way to pray through the Armor of God each day✨ How to stay calm and connected even when your mornings feel rushed✨ Practical ways to make peace your default — not stress
This episode will remind you that peace doesn’t come from productivity or control. It comes from presence — God’s presence. And when you start your morning with Him, you carry that peace into everything that follows.
📚 Resources Mentioned
📆 The Bible Recap – Read the Bible chronologically with daily recaps
🛒 My favorite Study Bibles → Amazon Storefront
📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course
💌 Connect With Me
📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire
 

17 | A Deeper Dive into Psalm 23: What You Might Have Missed About the Shepherd

Most of us can quote Psalm 23 by heart. It’s one of the most well-known passages in Scripture—often recited in moments of reflection or peace. But Psalm 23 is more than a comforting psalm—it’s a deep, theological picture of God’s character and His active care for His people.
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we take a closer, verse-by-verse look at Psalm 23 and explore the covenant names of God revealed within it. You’ll see how each verse points to a specific aspect of His nature—The Lord who provides, heals, restores, leads, sanctifies, and sustains.
This study will help you move beyond simply knowing the words of Psalm 23 to understanding what they reveal about the Shepherd who walks beside you.
💡 In This Episode
The meaning of each covenant name of God found in Psalm 23
The difference between righteousness (being made right with God) and sanctification (being made more like Him)
How “He restores my soul” speaks to God’s healing and renewal
Why “He leads me in paths of righteousness” describes a daily, ongoing walk of sanctification
The significance of anointing with oil—and how it represents both calling and protection
How each verse of Psalm 23 shows God’s heart to lead, guide, and transform us
📚 Resources Mentioned
📆 The Bible Recap – Read the Bible chronologically with daily recaps
🛒 My favorite Study Bibles → Amazon Storefront
 
📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course
💌 Connect With Me
📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

16 | Is the Bible Still Accurate After All Those Translations? The Real Story Behind the KJV and Modern Bible Versions

Discover the True Story Behind the KJV, NIV, and Modern Versions—and Why You Can Trust God’s Word
Have you ever wondered if the Bible is still accurate after being translated so many times? Or maybe you’ve heard that newer versions “leave out” verses and wondered if that means we can’t trust them.
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re digging into the story behind our modern Bibles—how they were translated, why there are so many versions, and what makes each one unique. You’ll see how God has preserved His Word through every century and every translation so that you can read it confidently today.
You’ll learn:✨ How the Bible was written, preserved, and translated over time✨ The difference between translations like the KJV, NIV, ESV, CSB, and NLT✨ Why some verses are missing (or footnoted) in newer versions✨ How archaeology and manuscript discoveries confirm Scripture’s accuracy✨ Why you can confidently trust the Bible you’re holding—because God’s Word never changes
This isn’t a theology lecture—it’s a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The same Word that spoke to His people thousands of years ago still speaks to you today.
🛠️ Resources Mentioned
📖 BibleGateway.com – Compare multiple translations side by side📚 BibleHub.com – Study tools and cross-references📆 The Bible Recap – Read the Bible chronologically with daily recaps🛒 My favorite Study Bibles → Amazon Storefront
📚 Get on the Waitlist for the "How to Study the Bible" Course
Information about the King James Version
https://www.gotquestions.org/missing-verses.html 
https://www.gotquestions.org/translation-inspiration.html 
💌 Connect With Me
📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

15 | Finding Meaning When Life Feels Empty: Lessons from Ecclesiastes

If you’ve ever asked questions like:“Why do I feel so empty inside?”“What’s my purpose in life?”“Why does it seem like nothing I do really matters?”
—you’re not alone.
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re diving into the Book of Ecclesiastes—an honest, thought-provoking look at what gives life real meaning. We’ll explore why even wisdom, work, and success can leave us unfulfilled, and how God offers purpose, peace, and joy that last.
We’ll look at:✨ What “meaningless” (hevel) really means—and how it points us to God, not despair✨ Why striving for success, perfection, or pleasure never truly satisfies the heart✨ How God weaves purpose into every season of life—even the hard ones✨ Simple, biblical truths to help you find peace right where you are✨ How to stop chasing the wind and start resting in the One who gives life meaning
Friend, Ecclesiastes isn’t a hopeless book—it’s an invitation to stop searching for worth in all the wrong places and start finding fulfillment in the God who made you on purpose, for a purpose.
Resources Mentioned:My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products)https://www.amazon.com/shop/susanshropshire
Join our Facebook Communityhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/peaceoverperfectionpod
Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Themhttps://abundantlylivedlife.myflodesk.com/wmuquzsqnf
Connect With Me:Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.comPodcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple PodcastsInstagram → @susan.shropshire https://www.instagram.com/susan.shropshireTikTok → Susan Shropshire https://www.tiktok.com/@susanshropshire
 

14 | Special Guest Rachel King on Helping Overwhelmed Women Simplify Life, Routines & Family Time

Do you ever feel like life is just spinning out of control, and no matter what you do, there aren’t enough hours in the day?
For many women—whether you’re a mom, an empty nester, or somewhere in between—it’s easy to feel stretched thin and overwhelmed by daily routines, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws at you.
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, I’m talking with special guest Rachel King, host of the Mama’s Tired podcast and creator of The Peaceful Mom Method. Rachel helps busy Christian women—especially moms—create systems, routines, and practical tools to simplify life and reclaim peace in their day-to-day.
 This conversation isn’t about doing more or “having it all together.” It’s about learning how small, intentional changes in routines and systems can transform your home life, reduce stress, and help you find freedom in your everyday responsibilities.
You’ll learn:✨ How to set up practical systems and routines that actually work✨ Tips for meal planning and managing family schedules without the overwhelm✨ Ways to include your family in routines so everyone thrives✨ How to reclaim peace in your day-to-day life, no matter your season✨ Encouragement and advice from Rachel’s own journey as a mom and productivity specialist
Whether you’re raising little ones, navigating busy seasons, or just looking for ways to simplify life, this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement for every woman.
 
Rachel King is a woman of faith, wife, mom, coffee lover, certified nutrition coach, and a productivity specialist. She is the host of the Mama's Tired podcast and the creator of The Peaceful Mom Method. Rachel helps busy Christian moms find peace in their day-to-day routines.
Connect with Rachel: 
🖥️ Website: https://www.rachelking.org
🥳 Facebook Group | Simple Systems for Tired Mamma's 
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmeigsking/ 
🌟 Learn more about the Peaceful Mom Method 🌟
 
Resources & Links
🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products)
📲 Free Rejoice Phone & Computer Wallpaper
🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God
🌟 Join our Facebook Community
📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them
Connect With Me
📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire
 

13 | This Is the Day: How to Choose Joy When Life Feels Overwhelming

Do you ever wake up and feel like the day is already running ahead of you? The alarm goes off, the to-do list is waiting, and before the coffee even brews you’re already overwhelmed.
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking about what it really means to choose joy — not when everything’s going right, but right in the middle of the chaos. Psalm 118:24 reminds us: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Joy isn’t the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy is rooted in God’s presence and His promises. We’ll explore why joy matters, how it can anchor your heart in the middle of the mess, and practical ways to live it out today.
You’ll learn:✨ What Psalm 118:24 really means in context✨ How to practice joy even on stressful or disappointing days✨ Simple, everyday ways to notice joy and share it with others✨ Why choosing joy leads to real peace
Friend, you don’t have to wait for a “perfect” day to rejoice. If God gave you today, then He gave you purpose in it — and His joy is your strength.
 
Resources & Links
🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products)
📲 Free Rejoice Phone & Computer Wallpaper
🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God
🌟 Join our Facebook Community
📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them
Connect With Me
📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

12 | Would You Talk to a Friend Like That? Why the Words You Speak to Yourself Matter

Would you ever talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself? Most of us wouldn’t. And yet those same critical words shape how we see ourselves, how we see God, and how we live day-to-day. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re diving into the life-shaping power of your thoughts and words. You’ll learn:✨ Why words are like seeds—and how your harvest depends on what you plant✨ How your brain’s built-in filter (the Reticular Activating System) works like a social media algorithm to shape your focus✨ Why the people around you influence your mindset and spiritual growth more than you realize✨ Practical ways to catch negative self-talk in real time and replace it with truth that brings peace
This isn’t about ignoring hard things or pretending life is perfect. It’s about shifting your perspective, choosing words that build instead of tear down, and noticing God’s presence in the middle of ordinary frustrations.
Scripture of the WeekEphesians 4:29 — “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Resources & Links
🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products)
🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God
🌟 Join our Facebook Community
📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them
Application for the WeekYour words aren’t just noise—they’re building material. This week, pay attention to the little phrases you say under your breath when things go wrong. Instead of letting those negative words set the tone, stop and ask: Does this build up or break down? Then invite God to help you swap your words for ones that encourage, strengthen, and bring peace—whether you’re speaking to yourself, to others, or even just whispering in prayer. Because that’s where we find peace.
Connect With Me
📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire
 

11 | Why Does God Allow Pain? What to Do with Doubt, Fear, and Unanswered Prayers

If you’ve ever asked questions like:“Why does God allow suffering?”“Why did He answer their prayer but not mine?”“Is God even listening?”—you’re not alone.
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re talking honestly about doubt, fear, and unanswered prayers. Having doubts doesn’t mean you’ve lost your faith. In fact, doubts can actually lead to a deeper trust in God when you bring them to Him.
We’ll look at:✨ The difference between doubt and unbelief (and why your questions don’t disqualify you)✨ Why pain and brokenness exist in our world—and how God is still at work in it✨ Stories of people in the Bible who wrestled with doubt (Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Thomas, even the disciples)✨ What to do when God feels silent, when prayers go unanswered, or when you’re battling anxiety and fear✨ Five practical action steps for handling doubt in a way that draws you closer to Him
Friend, your doubts don’t scare God. They don’t push Him away. He’s not disappointed in your questions. He’s inviting you to bring them to Him—because that’s where your faith can grow the deepest.
Resources Mentioned:
🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products)
🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God
🌟 Join our Facebook Community
📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them
Connect With Me
📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire

10 | People Aren’t the Real Enemy: How the Armor of God Helps You Fight Back and Win the Battle

Do you ever feel like the people in your life are the problem—your spouse, your kids, your boss, your friends? The truth is, they’re not the real enemy.
In this episode of Peace Over Perfection, we’re diving into what Ephesians 6 teaches us: your battle isn’t against flesh and blood. People aren’t the problem—the devil is. And the good news? God hasn’t left you defenseless. He’s given you the Armor of God so you can stand strong, fight back, and live in peace.
You’ll learn:✨ Why conflict and frustration with people isn’t the real battle you’re facing✨ Who the real enemy is and how he tries to steal your joy✨ What each piece of the Armor of God means for your everyday life✨ Practical ways to “put on” the armor daily so you don’t walk into the fight unprepared✨ How to finally stop wasting energy fighting the wrong battles and start standing firm in victory
This episode isn’t just about knowing the Armor of God—it’s about using it. You don’t have to keep feeling attacked, frustrated, or defeated. God has already given you everything you need to fight the real enemy and find peace in the middle of your everyday struggles.
Resources Mentioned:
🛍️ My Amazon Storefront (my favorite products)
🙏 FREE PDF: Praying Through the Armor Of God
🌟 Join our Facebook Community
📥 Free PDF: Quiet the Spiral – 10 Common Lies & the Scripture to Fight Them
 
Connect With Me:📧 Email → susan@abundantlylivedlife.com🎙️ Podcast → Peace Over Perfection on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram → @susan.shropshire🎵 TikTok → @susanshropshire