Being overwhelmed is overwhelming. I know, I know…that was not that dynamic of an opening statement. Overwhelmed is defined as being buried or drowned by a huge mass, submerged, overloaded, beset, overburdened, defeated completely, overcome, dumfounded, subdued, etc. It can be a horrible, tough condition to be in!
Yesterday, the hostess of our Thanksgiving Dinner for an extended family of about fifty people was thoughtful and purposefully prepared in detail, the environment was grateful and thankful. Each of the invitees was received in a way that made all feel comfortable. And, all of us had one of our favorite things to eat that was so appetizing. Yet, in the midst of the meal, her elderly mother was physically stricken and an emergency ensued. The environment changed dramatically. It became overwhelming for her brother and her and their immediate family. The rest of us felt sorrow. EMT’s flooded the room and even though the team was gentlemanly as possible and professional, the environment had changed dramatically. It became a serious, solemn time of prayer. It was overwhelming. The gorgeous dinner was now in the background. All of us were praying for this dear lady and her family.
Psalm 61:2 declares, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” In the midst of the overwhelming environment that we found ourselves yesterday, there was a sweet sense of hope in a number of us. I found myself in the midst of “a peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:6&7). God was in the midst of things. He was not overwhelmed at all.
If you are overwhelmed in this holiday weekend, turn to God in prayer. Read, meditate and carry the below verses with you all day:
- Psalm 62:1&2, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
- Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Often, Holidays throw us together with folks with whom we have major issues, spend money that we don’t have or reminded that we don’t have a meaningful family and are experiencing the holidays solo. These things can become overwhelming. Please remember, we have a God who cares… Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:6&7).
He’s gotcha but will not force Himself on you. Just humbly ask and He will be there.
Barnabas Man 