Question 1

What might cause me to feel overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Exodus 15:22Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea, and they moved out into the desert of Shur. They traveled in this desert for three days without finding any water.Exodus 18:17-18“This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.”Numbers 11:15“If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!”1 Chronicles 28:20Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”Stressful situations such as having too much work to do and not enough time or resources to do it can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Stress paralyzes us by placing physical and emotional limits on our bodies and minds, causing us to feel incapable of doing anything.1 Samuel 14:24Now the men of Israel were pressed to exhaustion that day, because Saul had placed them under an oath, saying, “Let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening—before I have full revenge on my enemies.” So no one ate anything all day.We can feel overwhelmed when we are physically worn out. Possible causes of exhaustion include sleep deprivation, dehydration, malnourishment, and over-working. When this happens, we first should attend to our physical needs.2 Samuel 22:5-7“The waves of death overwhelmed me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I cried to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears.”Daniel 2:10-11The astrologers replied to the king, “No one on earth can tell the king his dream! And no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer! The king’s demand is impossible. No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live here among people.”We can feel overwhelmed when we fear for our lives.Psalm 10:10Their helpless victims are crushed; they fall beneath the strength of the wicked.We can feel overwhelmed when we believe we are helpless and powerless to change our circumstances.1 Samuel 17:4-7Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield.We can feel overwhelmed when our problems seem too big for us to handle.Nehemiah 4:1-3, 7-8, 10-11Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” . . . But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. . . . Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.”Psalm 64:1O God, listen to my complaint. Do not let my enemies’ threats overwhelm me.We can feel overwhelmed when we feel opposed on all sides and seem to have no one to turn to for support. Feeling alone against the enemy is overwhelming.Psalm 55:5Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.We can feel overwhelmed when we are afraid.Job 30:15“I live in terror now. My honor has blown away in the wind, and my prosperity has vanished like a cloud.”Psalm 38:8I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.Psalm 69:2Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.Proverbs 27:4Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.Luke 1:12Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him.Strong negative emotions, such as fear, anguish, and dread can cause us to feel overwhelmed.Deuteronomy 28:15“But if you refuse to listen to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you.”Psalm 38:4My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear.Sin and guilt become heavy burdens and can cause us to feel overwhelmed by their weight. Seeking God’s forgiveness and understanding his grace frees us from the weight of guilt.Jeremiah 52:12-15On August 17 of that year, which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard and an official of the Babylonian king, arrived in Jerusalem. He burned down the Temple of the Lord, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem. He destroyed all the important buildings in the city. Then he supervised the entire Babylonian army as they tore down the walls of Jerusalem on every side. Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took as exiles some of the poorest of the people, the rest of the people who remained in the city, the defectors who had declared their allegiance to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the craftsmen.Loss and separation from loved ones and family can cause us to feel overwhelmed.Psalm 55:2Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.Jeremiah 45:3“You have said, ‘I am overwhelmed with trouble! Haven’t I had enough pain already? And now the Lord has added more! I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest.’”Our troubles can cause us to feel overwhelmed, and we can feel as though life will remain troubled forever.

Question 2

How will God help me when I feel overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Romans 8:35-39Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? . . . No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.God’s love is certain, constant, consistent, and victorious. When we feel overwhelmed, we should remember that regardless of where we are or what we are facing, we can never be lost to his love.Psalm 46:1-2God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.John 14:27“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”God’s presence gives us peace of mind and heart in every situation. When feeling overwhelmed, we should ask him to calm us and to help us rely on him.Psalm 119:92-93If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life.Psalm 119:143As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.God’s Word brings deep joy and contentment. When faced with seemingly overwhelming circumstances, we should claim his promises for us.2 Chronicles 14:11-12Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!” So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians in the presence of Asa and the army of Judah, and the enemy fled.Psalm 116:3-4Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Please, Lord, save me!”Psalm 142:1-4I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.God says that we can always call on him for help. Prayer, honestly talking and listening to God, keeps us in touch with the One whose help we need most.Exodus 14:13Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.”Isaiah 30:15This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.”Matthew 11:28-29Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”A healthy, growing, daily relationship with God puts overwhelming circumstances in perspective. We can work through those feelings of being overwhelmed when we see life from God’s point of view.

Question 3

What should I do when I feel overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 27:14Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.Psalm 61:1-2O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.Psalm 69:16Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful.Isaiah 40:29-31He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.2 Corinthians 1:8-10We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.When our troubles seem overwhelming, we need to be patient and continue to look to God and his power to help us.Psalm 107:4-9Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.Psalm 145:13-16, 18Your [the Lord’s] kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. . . . The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.Isaiah 43:2“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”Jeremiah 49:11“But I will protect the orphans who remain among you. Your widows, too, can depend on me for help.”Zephaniah 3:19“I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to my former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed.”When we feel overwhelmed, we should think back to other troubled times and how God brought us through. God loves to help those burdened with life’s troubles. He loves to pick up those who have fallen. He has done this for us before, and he will do it again if we rely on him.

Question 4

How can I avoid becoming overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 41:16“It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”1 Chronicles 28:20Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”Matthew 19:26Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”Luke 1:37“For the word of God will never fail.”Ephesians 3:20Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.Ephesians 6:8Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.To avoid becoming overwhelmed, we need to let God put the situation in perspective. No problem is too big for God.Zechariah 4:6-7Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’”Zechariah 10:12“By my power I will make my people strong, and by my authority they will go wherever they wish. I, the Lord, have spoken!”2 Corinthians 12:9-10Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.To avoid becoming overwhelmed when facing any challenge, we need to acknowledge our weaknesses and rely on God and not our own resources and strength. We must find our strength and power in his living through us.Joshua 11:6Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them. By this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel as dead men. Then you must cripple their horses and burn their chariots.”When we are afraid, to avoid becoming overwhelmed, we need to remember that the kind of courage we need comes only by realizing how powerful God is. Suddenly the odds don’t seem so impossible. No enemy can stand before him. God is more powerful than any force against us.Exodus 18:21-24“Select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.1 Kings 2:1-3As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon: “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.”To avoid becoming overwhelmed, we need to consult with God, seek godly counsel, and then divide up the task and delegate responsibilities and authority to others.Psalm 42:5-7Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.To avoid becoming overwhelmed, we need to thank God regardless of the situation we’re in. Praising him for his goodness and power will take our focus off our problems and weaknesses and remind us of God’s ability to handle everything that troubles us.Psalm 69:1Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck.To avoid becoming overwhelmed, we need to deal with situations early, before they become catastrophes.

Question 5

How can I help others who are overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 12:25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.Proverbs 27:10Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.Proverbs 27:17As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.Proverbs 31:8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.1 Corinthians 9:22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.Philippians 2:4Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.Titus 3:13-14Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.Hebrews 10:24Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.1 Peter 5:12I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.To help those who feel overwhelmed, we need to be sensitive to them and what they are experiencing. Then our empathy for those who are overwhelmed will move us to help meet their emotional and physical needs both by our words and our deeds.

Question 6

How can I cope when life’s pain overwhelms me?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 55:22Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.Psalm 62:8O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.Matthew 11:28-30Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”Romans 8:28We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.1 Peter 5:7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.When we feel overwhelmed by life’s pain, we need to trust God and his plan for us. With him, we can get through this.Psalm 145:14The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.2 Corinthians 1:3All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.When we feel overwhelmed by life’s pain, we need to accept God’s mercy and comfort.Psalm 42:5-6Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!Psalm 71:14I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.When we feel overwhelmed by life’s pain, we need to find our hope in God.Psalm 30:11-12You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!Psalm 126:5-6Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.Lamentations 3:31-33No one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.Revelation 21:4“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”When we feel overwhelmed by life’s pain, we need to be confident of recovery, for God is good and wants to restore us, either in this life or the next.John 14:24“Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.”John 16:33“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”Philippians 4:6-7Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.When we feel overwhelmed by life’s pain, we need to relinquish everything to God and then bask in his peace.

Question 7

How do I keep perspective when I feel overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 3:1-2O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!”Psalm 42:7I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.Psalm 55:2Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.Psalm 61:1-2O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.Psalm 116:3-4Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Please, Lord, save me!”Jeremiah 45:3“You have said, ‘I am overwhelmed with trouble! Haven’t I had enough pain already? And now the Lord has added more! I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest.’”To keep a godly perspective when feeling overwhelmed, we need to shut out the onslaught of voices spouting empty platitudes and worldly advice and focus on listening to God.Deuteronomy 20:1“When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you!”Psalm 27:14Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.Romans 8:35-37Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? . . . No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.2 Corinthians 1:8-10We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.To keep a godly perspective when feeling overwhelmed, we need to identify the issues, overwhelming as they may be, and remember who God is and take courage. He can overcome any problem we might face and strengthen and encourage us in the process.2 Corinthians 4:8-10We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.To keep a godly perspective when feeling overwhelmed, we need to remember and believe that God will never abandon us.

Overwhelmed