Overwhelmed. Just the word itself can bring on anxiety.
First, let’s define it.
o-ver-whelm verb
bury or drown beneath a huge mass. defeat completely. Give too much of a thing to (someone) inundate. Have a strong emotional effect on. Be too strong for; overpower.
Wow, the definition really gives us a picture of what being overwhelmed looks like. Here’s the thing, though (we) as children of God do not have to live in an overwhelmed state of mind.
Are you ready for this? We can actually choose not to be overwhelmed.
As a person who is so easily overwhelmed, I promise you, I’m in the camp to argue that last statement. I struggle with this on the daily. I have to lean into and lean on Jesus, constantly in order not to let myself be overcome with feeling overwhelmed.
Consider these verses that remind us that we can have a mind surrendered to Christ as opposed to being overwhelmed, discouraged and crushed.
Isaiah 40:31 says “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Matthew 19:26 "But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
I’m pretty sure none of us would argue against the fact that life is overwhelming. (John 16:33) So many things going on since the beginning of time that we can easily let overwhelm us or consume us. However, I’m reminded that we are just visitors here. (1 Peter 2:11) This is not our home. We actually get to choose how we spend the very short time we are here in human form. (Ephesians 5) I’m not saying we can have control over what happens to us or our families, but we do have control over how we respond. (John 14:27)
Are you responding in prayer? (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Trusting God with all the things? (Psalm 28:7)
Are you serving in such a way to help fight the good fight? (1 Timothy 6:12)
Or are you complaining, worrying, and consumed to the point of being paralyzed in your mind with overwhelming anxiety? (Philippians 2:14)
I have to ask myself these things daily.
What if we chose to be overwhelmed with God’s love for us? (Romans 8:38-39)
What if we had a mind shift? (Ephesians 4:22-24)
What if our thoughts are consumed with our Savior? (Philippians 4:8)
There wouldn’t be room for all the negative content! (Psalm 119:11)
Pray with me. God, I am so overcome with your love for me. I’m so thankful your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I’m so thankful I am not crushed or abandoned. Not destroyed. Help me to see through your eyes. Think with your mind. Speak with your words. Help me love you and others fully like you’ve called me to do. I can’t do any of this life without you, Lord. I surrender my heart and my mind to you. Amen.
Because of Jesus,
Michelle Skillern