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Overwhelmed? Stand Strong
By Rick Warren

“Put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed." (2 Chronicles 20:20b)

The biggest mistake people make when they're overwhelmed is focusing on the problem. We don't look to God. We put our eyes on the problem instead of God.

When you ask many people, “How are you doing?” they say, “I'm doing OK — under the circumstances.” What are you doing under the circumstances? Who put you there? Why don't you get on top of the circumstances? Circumstances are like the mattress on your bed. Get on top of them, and you'll rest easy. Get underneath them, and you're going to suffocate.

What are you focusing on right now? If you're discouraged, it's not God. You can't be discouraged and focus on God at the same time. If you turn to God first, talk to him about your problem, and trust him to help you, God will respond: "The Lord says you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this vast army. The battle depends on God, not you" (2 Chronicles 20:15b GNT).

You're so tired all the time because you're trying to fight battles that belong to God. We try really hard and give it our best shot. Inevitably, we fail, are disappointed in ourselves, and come back with our tails between our legs and say, “God, I'm so sorry. I've really let you down." Guess what? You cannot disappoint God. This is what grace is all about! You don't earn God's pleasure or approval. It is a free gift when you trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

What does God want you to do if he doesn’t want you to fight in the battle? What are you supposed to do when you’re facing an overwhelming situation?

Two words: “Stand strong.” What does it mean to stand strong? It is a mental attitude. It’s an attitude of quiet confidence. You're not getting ahead of God, but you're not backing up, either. You're going to stay put and watch God work. You're going to stand strong.

One of the most important truths you have to learn in life is it is never God’s will for you to run from a difficult situation. If you do, he’s going to bring it up again. He wants you to learn that he is sufficient in every situation, and if you don't learn it here, he’ll just provide the opportunity again.

What do you stand firm on? “Put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed" (2 Chronicles 20:20b).

Do you want to be successful? Then stand on two things: the character of God and the Word of God. Have faith in the character of God and what his prophets have said.

Talk It Over

What has been your focus lately? Has it kept you from turning to God for help with whatever difficult situation you face?

What does being confident in the character and Word of God look like?