I have been there!! Can you join me in that comment? Most people have experienced overwhelm and it’s a terrible place to be. Have you discovered a way to quiet the overwhelm?
If possible, find a quiet place to go, even Jesus sought a haven to collect his thoughts in prayer.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 NIV
Take a deep breath. If you have a favorite breathing technique use that, if not try this one.
Take in a breath for the count of 4, hold for 7 counts and then release for 8 counts. Repeat as often as necessary. This helps me when I become stressed.
What is quietness?
According to Dictionary of Bible Themes, “quietness is a calm, peaceful attitude and way of approaching God.”
When we are looking for a way to quiet the overwhelm, the Lord is the best answer. Why? Who else has all the answers?
Go to the Lord to Quiet the Overwhelm
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
The Lord wants us to come to Him with our burdens. When we acknowledge He is our strength and help, we are blessed with a quiet mind.
Tell Him what is going on and how you are feeling. He wants to hear about your stress and pain just like an earthly father would do except He has the power to calm your spirit.
God’s Way Quiets the Overwhelm
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,” Psalm 23:1-2 NIV
David experienced overwhelm like most of us will never encountered. His witness of God’s peace and quiet prompted this beautiful Psalm.
Trusting in Jesus is a pleasant experience when we are leaning on Him. Think about the beauty of pastures as the sun spreads its light on rolling hills. Feel the warmth of the sun as it softly falls upon you, realizing that God loves you and wants to create calm in your life. The beautiful, cool water soothes your tired soul as you step into God’s living water.
Not everything will be perfect, but trials will be much more bearable when He is supporting you.
Anxiety of Overwhelm
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:19 NIV
The Psalmist sought the Lord when his heart is heavy with anxiety and stress. His reward is consolation or another word, comfort. Isn’t that a component to quiet the overwhelm that is festering inside our hearts and head?
He is thankful for the release of anxiety and receives another blessing. His stress has turned to joy. Not just joy but God’s Joy.
Quiet the Overwhelm with God’s Word
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—and whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 NIV
The person in this verse is the one seeking God and His way of living. How does he handle the Word of God? He has meditated on it regularly and as a result, it became a delight. As we read the scripture, the beauty, calm and joy is released in our life.
The Bible inspires us to move forward toward God’s goals. We reach out to a stream of refreshment and produce fruit. What is that fruit? Helping others to come to Him and enjoy His gift of life.
God Hears Everything
“All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.” Psalm 38:9 NIV
Often we think God is too busy to hear our small prayers. Not true.
In the verse above we see the psalmist talking to the Lord. He realizes that God has heard even the sighs as his requests are given. How many people even recognize when we are sighing? Our actual requests seldom are heard above the noise of the world.
God wants us to have joy. How can we if our minds are cluttered with overwhelm? He wants to replace that with peace and quiet.
Jesus’ Way to Quiet the Overwhelm
“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:40 NIV
Martha is experiencing overwhelm. The house is full of guests, not just regular ones but Jesus Christ himself. She is trying to handle everything.
Mary is sitting at Jesus feet, listening to Him and learning. To Martha, she is doing nothing and is irritated because Mary is not helping her. What’s wrong with her, doesn’t she realize I need help?
She complains to Jesus. “Lord, tell her to help me”.
“’Martha, Martha,’” the Lord answered, “’you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41 NIV
Jesus knows Martha has a lot to do. He points to Mary’s example that sometimes you have to stop, breath and choose another option.
That is what we need to do when we need quiet in the overwhelm. Stop, breathe and choose to slow down.
Ask for Quiet in the Overwhelm
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14 NIV
God is willing to answer your request and give you quiet in the overwhelm. He loves you and wants what is best. Make sure that you are asking according to His will.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14 NIV
This means that we do not ask for things we know God will not do because it goes against His Word.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment. We enjoy the interaction.
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