Not Overwhelmed

Overwhelm: to overcome completely, overpower with superior forces; destroy, crush; bury beneath a mass; to load, heap, treat or address with an overpowering or excessive amount; to overthrow.

When discussing feeling overwhelmed, even the dictionary descriptions cause anxiety.

In a 2015 survey, Forbes found that 14 percent of the people felt “chronically overwhelmed.” The article gives two solutions to this problem: cut back on tasks or get faster and more efficient.

Too often, these are the only options given. And frequently, especially for families, they aren’t helpful. Some seasons have no room for either option. When one is facing an emotional battle or doing their best to keep toddlers alive, fed, and clean, it seems impossible to say no or suddenly get more efficient.

So what’s a Christian supposed to do?

So I think we should get as much out of life as we possibly can. There is nothing better than to enjoy our food and drink and have a good time. Then we can make it through this troublesome life that God has given us here on earth.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 (CEV)

Consider two swimmers: one, afraid of the water, kicks, flails, and gasps. They make it across the pool, but their energy is completely spent. A second swimmer relaxes, trusts, and even enjoys the water and glides through to the finish line.

Perhaps the third saving option to the problem of being overwhelmed is a change in attitude. Perhaps we need to relax at the moment without fear of the future. Perhaps we can take each wave as it comes and trust God in the process.

In Ecclesiastes, the writer wrestles with attitudes toward life. The book examines the temporary natures of life, with all its contradictions—the good, bad, and ugly. The writer invites us to make full use of our time by enjoying the good things life has to offer, recognizing that they are a gift from God. Humanity’s quest for self-fulfillment and the meaning of life is futile outside of reverence for God. For the writer, respecting and obeying God is the only way to discover the true meaning of life and maintain the right perspective about life. God is the only lasting part of life.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are faced with an opportunity to consider your life—a chance to put your troubles into a Kingdom perspective. Consider your great God. He allowed you to be in this set of circumstances. Is this a time to see God do what you cannot? Perhaps he will take these burdens off your back. Perhaps he will strengthen your back to carry them. Perhaps he will help you see a way to enjoy your days despite your challenges.

PRAY

God of time and eternity, I need you when I think I am going to drown and when I think I am fine. Thank you for strengthening me and holding me up. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What is the strongest emotion you have ever felt? What is it like when your emotions get so strong that you don’t know what to do?

Apply: Talk to your kids about a time in your life when you felt overwhelmed. Explain what it means to be overwhelmed. Invite your kids to come to you whenever they feel this way, and remind them they can always share their feelings and hardships with God through prayer.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 42:11

Romans 8:28