Overwhelmed by Circumstances

Chuckle: "I've reached that age when a good day is one when I get up and nothing hurts." --Satchel Paige

Quote: "We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." --John W. Gardner

"O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I will cry to you for help, for my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety" (Psalm 61:1-2 NLT).

Have you ever felt like you were at the end of your rope -- that your life was totally out of control -- that you wanted to "throw in the towel" and give up? More than likely you have felt this way at some point in your life. Most of us have. When we feel overwhelmed, the important question becomes: what do we do -- how do we handle overwhelming circumstances? To whom do you turn when you are overcome with frustration, stress, fear, and pain? Just turn your heart toward God and claim His promises in these ways.

God's love: "Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39 NLT). We can take solace in the fact that God's love is absolute, certain, consistent, and always with us to give us victory. When you feel overwhelmed, just "wallow" around in God's love, and trust him to help you overcome whatever causes you to feel overwhelmed. "Blessed Assurance!"

God's presence: "I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives" (John 14:27 NLT). The gift of peace comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures say that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, the dwelling place of the Spirit of Almighty God. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit: "But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you" (John 14:17 NIV). This assurance, when contemplated, will give you deep and lasting peace of mind and heart.

God's Word: "As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands" (Psalm 119:143 NLT). God's Word is a source of deep inexplicable joy and contentment even during the most overwhelming of circumstances. "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly . . . as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God"  (Colossians 3:16 NIV).

Prayer: "Death had its hands around my throat; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: 'Please, Lord, save me!''' (Psalm 116:3-4 NLT). There's no question that our greatest need is to listen to God. Praying includes talking to God honestly and listening as he speaks. Prayer will help you to deal with the issues that may appear as overwhelming from a human perspective, but God's perspective is different.

Growing love relationship with God: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls  (Matthew 11:26-29 NLT). Such a relationship will help put overwhelming circumstances into perspective.

 

Love, Jerry & Dotse