Overcoming Overwhelm: Untangling the Clutter in Your LifeНамуна

Welcome to day four! May you be encouraged by the verses in today’s devotion.

When we are frozen in overwhelm by things out of our control, we need to remember who is in ultimate control. Colossians 1:17 reminds us Jesus is the one who holds all things together. 1 John 4:4 reminds us He is greater than anything in the world. And, in John 16:33, Jesus himself reminds us to “take courage” because He has overcome the world.

We are in good hands even when our lives look like they are being held by a string. His strength is at work in life’s clutter, more than we can see or imagine.

It is in these times we are to run to Jesus (Matthew 11:28) and shower ourselves with the truth of God’s character instead of dwelling on our circumstances.

Remember the definition of clutter from Day One? It’s anything that takes up space but doesn’t add value or meaning. If you are struggling with anxiety, worrisome thoughts, or obsessing over “what ifs” regarding things outside your control, this is mental and emotional clutter. And it’s time to stop torturing your soul.

Redirecting your energy from this clutter by focusing on who God is (e.g. compassionate, faithful, present, all-knowing, never overwhelmed or tired), will unlock a vault of valuable truths to fortify you to keep stepping in faith.

When I’m feeling vulnerable to what’s outside my control, I often read 2 Corinthians 4:7 (see the New Living Translation). It says we are like fragile clay jars…on purpose. It’s so our vulnerability can make room for God to show his power at work within and through us. It’s his strength, not ours, which ultimately gets us through.

We may not like that He designed it this way, but I invite you to let the power and truth of this verse comfort you right now and simply pray:

Dear God, thank you for holding everything together. You tell me to come to you when I’m worn down and feel vulnerable. Here I am. Hold me together. Help me to trust you more. In your name, Amen.

There’s so much more to say, but it’s time to move on and address how to deal with the overwhelming clutter that is in your control. I’m going to share an approach which may surprise you.