If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed, This Is for You

Yesterday, I spoke with a precious sister who was in tears because she was feeling overwhelmed. I can identify, as I talked about in this Facebook video I released this week with an encouraging word and prayer for you if you’re feeling overwhelmed. I think most of us have been there at one time or another. Personally, I have been there often.

If you’re overwhelmed right now, I wanted to tell you two short things that might encourage you today. I’m not going to go into detail about them, but they are things I’d like you to think about if you’re on the edge of exhaustion.

These are things I have learned the VERY hard way, because so many times I have allowed myself to get so over-committed and overwhelmed that I have been on the verge of total breakdown, body and soul. 🙁 I don’t recommend letting yourself get to that place. You are worth more than that, beloved. Papa will still perfect you and everything that pertains to you if you rest, let go, and LET HIM. 🙂

So here are the two encouraging thoughts for you if you’re feeling overwhelmed:

1. Beloved, saying “no” is a good thing sometimes.

It’s okay to say no. Sometimes good things get in the way of the best things, and saying “no” to good things (and bad things!) is the only way to access the best things.

2. It’s okay to cheat the church.

Awhile back, I decided to cheat the church, and I’m so glad I did. If you didn’t read that post, go here to read how I cheated the church after hearing Andy Stanley’s wise advice. 

Some of you need to cheat the church, cheat your adult kids who can take care of themselves if forced to, and cheat your friends.

Beloved, it’s God’s will for you to walk in peace, joy, and rest. Not to be overwhelmed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, please pray about what you need to say no to. I would encourage you to make a list of everything you do, then jettison everything extra for awhile. Your first priorities should be:

1. One-on-one time with God in prayer and Bible study; and
2. Your spouse.

Your children come after that. Doing extra things at church comes after that (but don’t jettison your church attendance/LifeGroup attendance, because then you’d be disobeying God, and we don’t want that). 🙂

Your friends come wayyyy after that. And your job also comes after those first two priorities.

When you’ve got your list made, get rid of stuff. Throw some dynamite in your logjam, as I discussed in the Facebook video I released (and I put the YouTube version below, so you can watch it there if you’re not on Facebook). Take some time to care for your spirit, soul, and body. Jesus said “freely as you have received, freely give.” If you haven’t received anything and are dry as a bone, you have nothing to give.

Beloved, it’s time to rest. That’s what I wanted to say to you today. If you need permission, I give you permission. 🙂 If you want to study this in the Word, read the first four chapters of Hebrews, in which God talks about getting downright offended and angry when we refuse to rest in Him.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, something needs to change NOW. This stress is not Papa’s will for you. He loves you too much for that. And while you take time to rest in Him and recharge, He will keep the world spinning on your behalf. 🙂

Do you need to rest today? Do you need to jettison some things out of your schedule? If so, leave a comment below!