Although I was tired, every time my head touched the pillow, my mind went into overdrive, which then, of course, led to worry.
I fought back with any parts of Scripture I could think of...Do not be afraid...Do not be discouraged...and finally fell asleep for a few hours before having to get up again.
By that next afternoon, I was feeling overwhelmed. Everywhere I turned, something else was coming at me, resulting in another phone call to make, e-mail to respond to, more forms to fill out, errands to run, and red tape to cut though. It all added to my middle-of-the-night concerns.
Do not be afraid...
Do not be discouraged...
I needed to find where Scripture says Do not be overwhelmed. I mean, it has to, right? God knows how easily I can get overthrown and pulled under.
So, I started searching His Word for wisdom and comfort. And here's what I found...
Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. Psalm 55:1-2 NLTA reminder that I’m not the first to cry out for help when I’m totally overwhelmed…and I won’t be the last.
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3a ESV
And there it was. The comfort and strength I was looking
for. I breathed a sigh of relief.
Not only did I find His promises, but I found a distraction.
Once I turned to Scripture, I was no longer focused on how I was feeling. I was completely absorbed in finding what I knew God would provide in His Word.
When I looked for Him, He was there—just as He said He would be.
This time, I remembered to seek
God right away and not wait, thinking I could handle it. How about you—is He
where you go first, or as a last resort?
In Christ,
I love the way you demonstrate a very practical way to deal with worry--particularly that middle-of-the-might-is-worse worry. Visiting from The Weekend Brew. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful truth Laura. I pray you will continue to seek Him in the overwhelmed moments. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI just love this. I had the same type of night a few days ago. Very frustrating as I usually sleep well. I finally fell asleep after prayers and deep breathing. But it is so weird how our minds go into overdrive. And I can't seem to stop it except through prayer. Lovely Scriptures.
Thanks for linking to Sunday Stillness.
Blessings,
Janis
Praying that you will overwhelmed with God's love and peace whatever you are facing.
ReplyDeleteI can feel you struggle, Laura. I too have been worrying too much lately. Well, since the start of the year. I've been thinking about the unknown so much despite knowing God. I think it happens.
ReplyDeleteLet's stay encouraged in His Words. :)
Thanks for sharing.
Great truth Laura! It's a mix for me. I wish I could say I remember to turn to Scripture promises every time because they are the best source of His comforting strength and peace. Blessings and hugs!
ReplyDeleteEvery day, moment-by-moment, I hear that Word at me, too.... "Do not be discouraged." I'm in physical and mental issues, the tiredness not working out very well, most of the time. Trusting Him is all I can do. Worshiping HIM is all I SHOULD do! I focus. Hope it works out well for you SOON!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh Laura, thank you so much for this. I have been overwhelmed myself lately. And I can't tell you the troubles I've had with insomnia. Our enemy is particularly mean during the night, isn't he?
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering how God is working. Last year, my word was JOY, and the year began with my father dying. This year, my word is HEALING, and it's started with some pretty difficult decisions regarding my mother.
If I couldn't hold on to Him when life becomes overwhelming, well, I don't know what I'd do.
Praying that God will renew both of us with courage, and heal us with His peace.
GOD BLESS.
Good words. I think we as women get overwhelmed more easily than men and scripture is a great way to get the perspective we need. Thanks for sharing at Grace and Truth!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! When we look at Him, we can let go of everything that is troubling us!
ReplyDeleteToo funny Laura,
ReplyDeleteI am following you from Playdates. It reminded me of "not be overwhelmed" and four ways to have a good sleep. Deep breaths, 1/2 tsp of honey and a little salt, Feet up against the wall - for about 10 minutes before bed (lymph drainage), and tart cherry. So I might try some of these tonight. Although I have been sleeping okay.
blessings,
Janis
Laura, I love that, in the end, you did not find instruction not to be overwhelmed, only that God is ever present through your overwhelm. Through whatever you pass through and whatever comes at you. Thank you for this, and thank you for sharing through Small Wonder.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, I'm coming over from 5 Minutes for Faith. What beautiful scripture. I find it so moving to know that God has chosen to be with us. I am learning more and more to trust his Word. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteLaura - Joining up with you from TellHisStory. Appreciate your story of middle of the night angst and your answer - His presence!
ReplyDelete