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It’s been one of those weeks for me… One of those “life is overwhelming” weeks... I’m not complaining, because I usually thrive in the chaos that is my life, but this week? As I said, it’s been one of “those”! 

 

It’s interesting to see how so many things that are completely out of my control can happen, and happen almost all at once. It’s amazing how fast responsibility can not only grow, but multiply. It feels like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done, and when I finally lay down to rest, my mind keeps running...and running...

 

When I feel this way, I force myself to breathe, to slow down long enough to fight back with some powerful reminders that I am not alone, I am not forsaken, and I am not destined to live in the state of “overwhelmed”... May I share them with you?  

 

First, I remember that God is still God and He’s still in control. Joshua 1:9 is one of my go-to verses. The first part of this verse is very familiar to many of us. It is the second part of the verse that gives me comfort.

 

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. 

For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ‭‭

Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

 

Second, I remind myself that God can handle my burdens. A verse in I Peter assures me that I don’t have to deal with my burdens and cares all by myself, because God cares and He is so much more capable of handling them than me. 

 

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

 

Third, I remember that God’s love is steadfast and His mercies for me are new every day. When the sun rises, it’s the beginning of a new day, and no matter what I face I can find comfort in Him. 

 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 

his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; 

great is your faithfulness.

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

 

Fourth (and usually most difficult to understand), I remind myself that God is always at work in my life, shaping me into the image of Jesus. Yes, He uses my struggles and challenges and storms and the general craziness of life (way more than He uses my victories) to move me toward Jesus. Paul wrote something to the Christians in Corinth that gives me hope and comfort...

 

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, 

are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, 

which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

One more, I remember that God sees more than I see and He knows more than I know. He has not let me down in the past and He will not let me down in my future... Author Tim Keller said, “We can be sure our prayers are answered precisely in the way we would want to be answered if we knew everything God knows.”

 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭ESV‬‬

 

When life tries to overwhelm us, there is comfort in the arms of our Father. Hold onto these truths. Let them be our rock in our times of storms.