over·whelm
vt \ˌō-vər-ˈhwelm, -ˈwelm\Definition of OVERWHELM
2
a : to cover over completely : submergeb : to overcome by superior force or numbersc : to overpower in thought or feeling
d : to feel defeated
How many times can we say we are overwhelmed. Most of us can tell you we live this way most of the time. With, work, school, relationships, and just the thought of having to balance it all... it's easy to quickly become overwhelmed in life. With the feeling of being overwhelmed, the easy and pathetic solution would be to give up.
When thinking of the word "Overwhelmed" and how to handle it, I am reminded of Jesus.
If anyone knew the feeling of being overwhelmed it was him.We tend to assume that Jesus, as God, was immune from the affects of man. But I don't think so. Since Jesus was fully human, he)...
"has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." (Heb. 4:15)
Knowing that Jesus was fully human, and that we have his same strengths through the Holy Spirit, this is what he tells us about allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed.
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself; each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matt. 6:34)
He was telling us not to allow ourselves to get overwhelmed with the worries of the future. Jesus wasn't saying not to think about tomorrow, not to look ahead, or not to plan. Rather he was saying: today lies before you. Live it well. Watch as God takes care of your needs and empowers you to address the challenges you face. Then let him do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day.
He tells us clearly He has it all under control. Look at these Verses:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:19
Notice the above verse says “ALL.” It doesn’t say “some” or “most,” but it says that He will meet all of our needs. It doesn’t say how He will meet our needs and I have found from experience the way He does it is often not what I expected. But the bottom line is that God is faithful and He does what He promises.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Here He is telling us, Yes you will see tribulations, but, Yes girdle up your loins and face them because I did.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3,7
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)
Our Heaven gives us no reason to worry, but every reason to walk in peace. If we can only learn to trust in Him and His promises. I have been faced with many milestones, and some stumbling blocks and have found myself feeling quite overwhelmed with worries of school, work, relationships, and many other details that can only be handled in the future.
I wrote this blog therapeutically, mainly for my night tonight which had me feeling pretty defeated and consumed with stress. But, this blog was also written for those that may be feeling consumed... Be encouraged. He is a mighty God and an ever-present help.
In Closing, remember this:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
David Oliver Willis
