What do you do when the road ahead seems dark, blurry and unclear? You are traveling along nicely when suddenly unexpected twists and turns appear. The road becomes unfamiliar. Before you know it a feeling of overwhelm comes upon you.
(This is an update of a post originally published on my former blog.)
I wish my first reaction would always be to go straight to God asking for wisdom, direction and peace. I eventually end up there, but often the first thing I do is react in anger or frustration.
I wish I could say that my first reaction is always to go straight to God in prayer.
These past few weeks we have been busy with traveling, visiting, health concerns, late nights, hard conversations, lack of wisdom, not enough sleep, and family issues. It can all seem a bit overwhelming. When I originally wrote this post my youngest son had just returned from a month long trip to Japan.
He was ready to step out and make his way in the world. I’ve watched my other children do this. I know it is a necessary part of life, and they need to have their own experiences.
I know this, but my mama heart wishes I could shield them from mistakes, hurts and harms.
I have to remind myself that God loves them more than I do and is quite capable of caring for them no matter where their road leads.
When I woke up this morning my body still felt tired and tight, like a rubber band almost stretched to its limit. I decided to take a shower before going downstairs for breakfast.
That helped some, but my mind still dwelt on all the emotions and feelings of being overwhelmed with circumstances, people, clutter, an overgrown garden and property, my weight, relationships that could be better…
I thought I might want to go outside and scream. But that wouldn’t really help, would it?
Feelings of Overwhelm? Pray
Instead, I stayed home from church, went upstairs to my rocking chair and poured out my heart to God as I wrote in my prayer journal, a portion of which I’ll post here.
I do need to release tension. I hold so much. I often realize that my teeth are clenched, my jaw is tight, and the rest of my body seems tense. I have to consciously relax.
Please help me to give my burdens to You – to roll them off my shoulders and drop them at Your feet; to rest in Your loving embrace by reading Your word and praying.
Give me the kind of peace and joy that only comes from You. There is a nice breeze blowing outside. I hear the chimes. It reminds me that Your love is all around. I hear the Whisper of your Love as I look to You. Thank you for blessing me.
After praying, my troubles didn’t magically disappear, but I felt better. I knew that God heard my prayers and would answer in the way that is best for all.
Feelings of Overwhelm? Take a Walk
Before he left for church, my youngest son encouraged me to go take a walk, knowing that it would help me feel better. I love to take walks outdoors and this morning was no exception. With my phone I took some pictures that inspired me. I hope they inspire you, too!
Every day I am showered by God’s grace.
I may not realize it when I am focusing on all the problems, but when I take time to pause and pray, to give thanks, my perspective changes. The way ahead will not always be clear.
Feelings of overwhelm will come at times, but I have a God who is faithful.
Wherever I go He will always be with me. He will guide me through the darkness into the light all the way to my final destination.
I’m linking up with: #TellHisStory, #ThreewordWednesday, #SittingAmongFriends, #DanceWithJesus
I’ve been meditating on Psalm 63 where the psalmist talks about clinging to the Lord. I think most times we just consult him in a crisis, but haven’t really learned what it means to cling. As I think about this more and more, it reminds me to incline myself toward him at all times, not just in a crisis. Thanks for your post that reminds me that God is ALWAYS faithful regardless of what our circumstances tell us.
It’s so easy just to run to him in a crisis and then forget when things are going well. You are right, we need to cling to Him at all times because He is faithful.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Blessings to you, Karen!
Gayl, thank you for the reminder to just get alone with Him and surrender honestly all our worries and concerns. He has got us and our children in His hands.
Christina, thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging comments. Yes, He’s got us all in His hands. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Can I just say, GAKAT? (my tattoo on my right wrist) God Already Knew About This. He knows. He cares. He is involved. Love you friend. xo
Yes, Susan, he knows about everything! I’m so thankful He does and that I can go to him anytime. In fact, like you have said, I should never say Amen. Blessings to you! Love you, dear sister! xo
Gayl, you are speaking right into my heart these days. So encouraging to read your words, know that you have similar feelings and thoughts, and the reminder that we are never alone on the dark days — any days, really — but esp the dark ones. <3
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Shelby. Yes, we all need to be reminded periodically that we are not alone, that God is always with us. Many blessings to you, dear sister!
Gayl, thanks so much for this reminder to turn to him when I feel overwhelmed. Like you, I tend to get frustrated before I remember where my help comes from. Thankfully our heavenly Father is patient with us.
Your pictures and transparent words are such a great encouragement. Thank you for sharing your heart with us!
Hugs,
Marva | sunSPARKLEshine
Marva, thank you for visiting! I’m glad this post was encouraging to you. Yes, our heavenly Father is so loving and patient.
Blessings to you and hugs!
Our perspective truly does change when we fully truly trust in him. Loved this post!
Thanks, Tara! Glad you stopped by! Blessings!
I love how you mention being showered by God’s grace everyday. What a blessing!
Yes, sometimes I think we are unaware of the blessings because we’re just too busy, at least I can be sometimes. Thanks for visiting today! Blessings to you!