What to do when feeling overwhelmed.

 

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:

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. “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

Welcome Crystal Walton

Courageous

Have you ever been forced to relinquish control? I mean, really forced. As in, there’s simply no option other than to let go. All that seemed certain now feels shaken.

During my freshman year in college, my residence hall ventured on a team building exercise spelunking in a PA cavern. One by one, we crawled into the small opening in the ground while the person in front of us ebbed into darkness.

Probably not the best activity for someone who might be overly just a tad on the claustrophobic side. So of course, the first thing I did inside was jolt on my flashlight and grip my little source of security like a lifeline. As long as I could see in front of me, the narrow confinement was somewhat bearable.

The deeper our guides led us into the heart of the cave, the more intricate the tunneled passageways became. At one point, I thought we might’ve stepped onto the set of The Goonies. It was even sort of fun.

Until someone at the top of the line instructed everyone to pass up our flashlights.

The lights went out. I’m talking utter darkness. No more security. No control. Instant panic. And like so many times in life, when circumstances strip away the familiar, I faced a choice. Trust or not. Give in to fear or grapple for courage. Stand upon what I’ve known to be true in the light or cower to doubt when darkness rushes in.

And let’s be real, the courageous choice doesn’t come easily. But maybe that’s the point.

Whenever I read stories about courage, I’m reminded that bravery isn’t necessarily about vanquishing fear or performing valiant feats. I think real courage is found in everyday choices. When we’re standing in complete darkness, with fear pressing in from all angles, and still we choose to walk by faith.

That’s the kind of courage that inspires me. And it’s one of the main reasons I get so excited about inviting you to join Emma in this inspiring story about real love, costly choices, and the courage to fight for what you believe in.

Light-Unshaken-3Light Unshaken
Contemporary Inspirational Romance
233 pages
Releases June 24, 2015
Goodreads

 

It’s real. It has to be. Twenty-two-year-old college student Emma Matthews gained too much ground last year for it all to be a dream. She has an engagement ring on her finger to prove it. Not to mention an internship she’s made for.

After a summer of overcoming her fears, Emma can’t afford for the news she just received to shake her. Not when it might jeopardize her future with Riley. And not when the kids in downtown Portland are counting on her to keep the center’s doors open. With the added strain of a broken relationship and an unexpected friendship reminding her what’s at stake, what other choice does she have?

But as mounting danger compromises her safety, friction intensifies until the risk of keeping her promise threatens all she’s fought to believe. Caught in a moment when every light in her life goes out, Emma must find the courage to lead her heart no matter what it costs her.

Available on Amazon


Meet the Author
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Crystal writes contemporary inspirational fiction fueled by venti green teas from Starbucks.

When not working her accounting day job, she’s delving into the wonder of words, supporting her Starbucks habit, or laughing over movie quotes & singing eighties songs with her husband. She’d love to connect with you at http://crystal-walton.com

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Crystal, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your new release tour.Be sure to visit again when you release your next novel.