There are days when nothing seems to go right. You’re probably thinking days? How about weeks and years? I know the pressures of life begin to pile up. Nothing you do seems to be working correctly. Yet despite your most valiant efforts, you’re getting farther and farther behind. There is only one word that comes to mine – OVERWHELMED!
It seems of late I have been no stranger to the dreaded word. Being under stress and overwhelmed seem to be a very common problem. The deadlines are past due at work, your cell phone is ringing, and the kids are making a mess. I would love to think that this is just modern era problem. We live in such a fast pace technology rich society it seems common, but I dare say that being overwhelmed is a universal human problem affecting everyone whether modern or not.
So what should we do when we are overwhelmed?
The Bible in Numbers 11 records a glimpse into the chaotic life of Moses. Moses was no stranger to being overwhelmed. He had a pretty tough task in leading the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land of Israel. “Moses heard the people, family after family, crying at the entrance of their tents. The Lord was very angry; Moses was also provoked. So Moses asked the Lord, ‘Why have You brought such trouble on Your servant? Why are You angry with me, and why do You burden me with all these people?’” (Numbers 11:10–11)
Needless to say, he was in a stressful and overwhelming situation. As he tried to deal with the situation I can only imagine his frustration increased. Even to the point where he said, “I can’t carry all these people by myself. They are too much for me.” (Numbers 11:14)
Moses was doing one thing right, he was pouring out his problems and concerns of being overwhelmed to God. I would love to give you 5 simple steps to lessen stress but the spiritual fact is there are no quick fixes to dealing with being overwhelmed. There is only one step – be in a close personal relationship with God.
When that feeling of being overwhelmed occurs, there is only one solution. Log off social media, turn off your cell phone, find a quiet place, and pray to the God that controls the universe. I know God is more than capable of handling the latest mess my 4 girls have made or give me the strength to handle the latest crisis at work. I don’t want to sound too simplistic in dealing with the situations of life but we make life more complicated then we have, or at least I do. Yes, priorities have to change, workloads have to be evaluated, a delegation of work has to occur, and assistance from those in our life will help with being overwhelmed.
If you try to unclutter life without God, the results will be no peace with God. Plus here is God’s response to Moses after appointing him some helpers. “The Lord answered Moses, ‘Is the Lord’s power limited? You will see whether or not what I have promised will happen to you.’” (Numbers 11:23)
Give your stress over to God. Allow His power to remove those feels of being overwhelmed. As God restores your peace, others will notice the change, and don’t forget to share with them the prayerful solution.
