Feeling Overwhelmed? Five Reminders To Lighten The Load
I never want great days to end. There is laughter, joy, hugs, friends, family and if I am lucky enough, even great food. Now, who would want days like that, to end? Nobody! Well, things do not work that way. All days are never great. There are days when you will feel like quitting or crying. Because life is not panning out how you want it to or the work/personal load is just too much. These are the overwhelming days! Days when everything will feel like a struggle. On such days, it is likely to forget who we are in Christ too. In general, they are just days no one wishes for or wants.
Life does not always go how we want it to go. So, as much as we do not like or want days when we are overwhelmed, they will surely happen. However, what will make those days slightly manageable is how we prepare for or handle them.
One thing I love about God and His word, is how He embedded life-changing nuggets in Scriptures to help us navigate practically all aspects of life, including bad days. In other words, on days when everything feels weighty, you can unburden by turning to God’s word and reminding yourself of His promises.
Here are a few I find helpful and encourage myself with, when my days are not so great:
- God has a plan for me: Jeremiah 29:11 is my first stop when things feel heavy. The words are so reassuring! It reminds me that no matter how my day/life might seem, God has a wonderful plan for my life and it is His plan that will prevail ultimately. And His plans are always the best. Therefore, this burdensome day/phase/feeling will pass too.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
- He is always with me: Nothing prepares me for the joy I get when the Scriptures point out that in my happy days, God is there, and even in those moments I dread, God is also with me. Is it not wonderful? Knowing that you have a loving Father who will never leave your side come rain or shine? Absolutely wonderful.
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
- When I get off course, He will redirect my steps: Often, when I feel overwhelmed, it is as a result of veering off course. Yes! But God’s word reiterates that even if that is the case, He is there to redirect my steps. Hence, I should lean on Him and trust Him to direct my path. This is a powerful and loving promise.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
- God will calm my storm: As unsettled as my day may be, in Mark 4:35-41, God says that He will calm my storm like He did in Jesus’ days. There is no need to fret or worry. I should just surrender to Him.
- God accepts you as His own: It is such a beautiful feeling to be drafted into God’s kingdom and know that He accepts you as His own. This means that He accepts you with all your instabilities, insecurities, and flaws. Consequently, on days when you are at your worst or unproductive, all He can see is His amazing son or daughter going through a rough patch, not a distant messy person.
For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.
Hebrews 12:6 NKJV
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