What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?

Exodus 20:8-10“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work.”

Mark 6:31Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

We may simply need to rest. In our fast-paced, anxious, workaholic culture, we can feel overwhelmed by life easily. God made humans with a need for sleep, food, and water, and he even rested on the seventh day to set an example for us.

Leviticus 26:8Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath your sword.

Joshua 23:10Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.

We should be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome the giant Goliath. He used Gideon’s three hundred soldiers to defeat the countless thousands of Midianite soldiers. And he used twelve disciples to establish the worldwide church. Knowing that he enjoys working through our weaknesses and limitations can be a great encouragement. We don’t have to be smart or strong or good looking for God to do great things through us.

Colossians 1:11-14We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

We should be encouraged that we have been rescued from sin’s control and Satan’s power. No matter what happens to us, God is always with us. Mental health problems, deep interpersonal conflict, overwork, or the death of a loved one are some instances in which even with God’s power working in us, we might not be strong enough to find a solution by ourselves. Sometimes medication is a wise step forward. Sometimes others’ problems are outside our control. Sometimes we will take on more than we can handle. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people, and what happened can’t be changed. In addition to a source of power, prayer is a source of comfort and direction. Prayer may not always calm the storm, but it invites God to come alongside us and guide us through it. We can take comfort that even in the storm, we are always safe with God.