Overwhelmed? Hold On!

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Anytime we receive news that is unexpected or larger than life, be it good news or bad, we can quickly feel overwhelmed! An unexpected pregnancy, a letter from the IRS, a bad report card or even an IRA that has multiplied like the parable of the fish and loaves. Wow, God! What do we do now? How can I process this information? I’m feeling more than a little overwhelmed.

Step one: Breathe, jump, dance, cry or run!

Find a safe place to let the emotions out. From a sigh, to a tear, to a wail. Whatever it takes to unlock your release valve so you can let some pressure off - in a healthy way, of course!

Step two: Remember that You’re not alone!
  • You’re not alone in your miracles – even when beyond comprehension.
  • You’re not alone in your misery –  because God promises to be with you in the valleys.
  • You’re not alone in your surprise – and soon life won’t seem so out of control.

Step three: Go to God’s Word!

“For this great God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide until we die. - He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever! - No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting Him. We trust His holy name. - The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your lovingkindness, Lord, continues forever.”  Psalm 48:14, 73:26a, 33:21 & 138:8a (The Living Bible)

Life throws so many curves at us. Some we pray for and are surprised about when we later get an answer. Others we are fearful of, but relish in. Some are short-lived, but are instantly stretching. Others seem to never get resolved and sap our energy, patience and faith. And then for others, we just have to battle through them until we get to the other side. Regardless of how overwhelmed you may feel, or how hopeless today’s situation might seem, God has the answer.

The hard part, when facing ‘larger than life’ circumstances, is being faithful. When we feel overwhelmed and helpless, we need to lean into God’s promise that assures us that he will never leave us or forsake us. This truth is found in Deuteronomy 31:6, and it is later quoted in Hebrews 13:5. In Deuteronomy, the verse was given as an assurance to Joshua as he faced the reality of trying to fill Moses’ shoes. Not only would Joshua soon lose his leader and mentor, but he was being asked by God to lead the whole Israelite nation - that grumbling, ungrateful bunch - into the Promised Land. (Talk about feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand!) Then in Hebrews 13, these same words were quoted, but were in response to a totally different set of circumstances. Our finances! This passage says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’”

So, the next time a curve comes flying at you and you begin to feel overwhelmed, Hold On!

…to the One who has it all under control and in His sovereign care!

For today, and in this moment, worship the One who is never overwhelmed and who loves you with an everlasting love. 

“This We Know” by Vertical Worship.

https://youtu.be/sq233lM3k9w

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yokemates.blogspot.com

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