Where to Run If You’re Overwhelmed

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Where to Run If You’re Overwhelmed by Jennifer Rothschild

“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 61:2 (NLT)

You skip breakfast. You’re late for work. You forgot to pack little Joey’s lunch. Your laundry basket is a Mt. Everest of dirty clothes. Your loved one is in the hospital. You can’t seem to get to the store to buy groceries. You still haven’t returned that growing list of phone calls and text messages.

Your mother needs you, your friend needs you, your husband needs you, your kids need you, your boss needs you … you need to be cloned or counseled or consoled or caught up in the air to meet the Lord!

“Rapture me Lord!”

You feel stressed. Guilty. Inadequate. Overwhelmed!

Overwhelmed. We feel it for all sorts of reasons, and I don’t know about you, but when I feel overwhelmed I want to run away! I want to run from what feels too big and unfixable! I want to run to my closet with some Dove dark chocolate and hide!

Thankfully, God wants us to run when we’re feeling overwhelmed. But instead of running away from what overwhelms us (and turning to dark chocolate), He wants us to run to Him. To run to His Word which settles us and shelters us.

Sometimes we can’t change all the stuff in our lives that feels bigger than we can handle. But, whatever feels bigger than you is still puny compared to the Rock that is higher than you!

When I feel flat-out overwhelmed and under-qualified and out-of-sorts, I’m learning not to run away from my stress. I am also learning not to run to a bag of chocolate!

Instead, I’m learning to run to God — to His Word — in the overwhelming middle of my stress!

When I run to God’s Word, even just one verse, I find that God is my “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in of trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV). When I run to Him, I find that my refuge isn’t an escape from my stress. God is my refuge. I’m reminded once again that my strength doesn’t come from me and my stamina or drive. My strength comes from the Lord.

He is the rock that is higher than I am. When I run to His Word, I discover that His law is “my delight” and it protects me and keeps me from totally freaking out or giving up or falling apart. (Psalm 119:92) He really is the Rock that is stronger and higher than anything you and I face.

If you feel the need to run away, lace up your cutest running shoes, and go for it! Run into the strong arms of Jesus. He is Your strength. He is your Rock. He is your refuge.

And, when you find yourself sheltered in the truth of His Word and in the sanctuary of His presence, all the stress that overwhelmed you and felt bigger than you suddenly shrinks down to the pebble size it really is!

God’s Word gives you the perspective you need. God’s presence gives you the peace you need, so run away sister … run to the Rock who’s waiting to shelter and settle you.

Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking my “overwhelmed” and placing it under your will. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:92, ”If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” (NIV)

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Which verse from Scripture can you run to today when you feel overwhelmed? Write it on a note card so you can run to it if you feel like running away!