Life ain’t all roses. Did God say that? I think He did
The other morning, hubby and I walked hand in hand to the park for our morning exercise stroll. “It’s going to be a stressful day,” he said, “got a report to finish and don’t have all the information…”
He went on and on. Then, as we always do while we walk, we prayed together.
A bit ashamed to admit this, but once the “holy” moment faded, I realized that life stinks sometimes. Yes, it does. Stuff comes up all the time. If it’s not the stress at work, it’s the illness that keeps us awake. Or the uncertainty of the future. Or broken relationships. Or kids who disappoint us. And our brain nearly explodes trying to figure it all out. And when, on top of it all, another glitch shows up, the red light “overwhelmed” light comes on the dashboard of our life.
But that’s when we either let pitiful tears flow or we invite wisdom in—the wisdom in Isaiah 43 where God invites us to believe, to cling to, to embrace when feeling overwhelmed, drained and crushed by the stuff in life:
- Life is going to be rough sometimes. Expect that. Situations will threaten to push us into panic because fear has shown up. But here’s what God says about that: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
- If we belong to Him, is there any doubt He will take care of us?“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2a). Have you known rivers of pain? They don’t seem to stop. But as difficult as the navigating can be, we can be sure we’ll pass through them. And never, never alone. God promised to accompany us.
- “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2b).Aren’t you glad He never said, “You’re a Christian, you’ll never experience fires.” Instead, He knows we’ll face them. But He has the solution. When the heat of adversity is inevitable. His Word to shield is attainable. And here’s why: God says: “For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:3).
He’s our God, with all His power, with all His might, with all His love, He’s our God. Peace when overwhelmed is His gift wrapped in reassurance, giving us the green light to peace.
Father, thank you for your power at work in my life. I will not fear when life becomes overwhelming. When I seem to drown in troubles, burned by anxiety, or swept by the rivers of struggles. You are with me. You’re my perfect shield and my constant protector. In Jesus’ name, I thank you. Amen.
What has overwhelmed you lately?
Janet
Source: http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog/inspiration/what-to-do-when-feeling-overwhelmed.html
Tamie Dearen has been married to her very romantic husband since 1982. They have two beautiful daughters, two amazing son-in-laws, and one awesome grandson. She plays piano, flute, harmonica, keyboards, and guitar, and loves composing and art. And she hates housework. A dentist in private practice for thirty years, Tamie stays busy playing on her church’s praise team and teaching graduate students each week. In her spare time, she escapes to the world of books.
