Overwhelmed

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt overwhelmed by all you needed to get done? As most of you know, this last week was a very busy (but blessed) week for us. We began the week by traveling 16 hours for our son’s wedding. It was absolutely beautiful and perfect - and busy! We then drove back to be home for our school’s homecoming coronation and week - which I am in charge of (and love doing). 

When I first looked at the timing of the events of the week and all that needed to be done, I felt overwhelmed. I don’t like that feeling and am aware that if I don’t get that feeling in check quickly, it will open the door for anxiety to rear its ugly head. 

The Bible gives very good instruction for when this occurs. The scripture says in Psalm 61:2, “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  In other words, seek God to lead you to a place above your own abilities that is only found IN HIM.  Don’t be surprised if doing this requires you to let go of some things to be able to hold on to some “God things.”

Years ago our family went on a Disney Cruise and spent a day at Castaway Cay (a Disney island and beach).  While we were swimming I noticed our youngest son pushing a big floaty.  Apparently, he had fallen off of it and couldn’t get back on due to being in deeper water.  I watched him swimming and pushing this floaty and then noticed that he seemed to be getting pretty tired.  I was a little further out in the water on my own floaty and called out to him to see if he was okay.  When he heard me calling his name he yelled, “Mom, help!” I got to him and pulled him up - he was panting pretty hard and all tired out.  He was becoming overwhelmed swimming against the current.  I’m so glad I was near-by to pull him to a place of safety.  However, it was his choice to let go of his floaty and cling to mine - there was no way to hold on to both.

In that same way, God wants to pull you to a place of safety and rest above all that is trying to weigh you down and come against you. However, there is no way that you can hold on to what is overwhelming to you and hold on to God at the same time. I purposed to give everything to God and to allow Him to help me with all that I needed to get done this week. When I did, I felt His grace overwhelm me instead of everything else.  I could rest knowing that I was in His care just like my son rested in my care. (By the way, I had a great group of ladies praying for me as well!)

Psalm 62:5-8 reads, “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

When you are facing something that feels overwhelming, trust God with whatever it is. His grace is sufficient for whatever you are facing.