What You Can Expect From God When Overwhelmed

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I write this post today over the course of approximately 6 nap times. In this season of my life, I am a new mom to my sweet little 4-month-old son. My days are consumed with nursing, nap times and trying to keep my business moving forward to help my family. Overwhelm frequently knocks on my door these days.

I don’t know what your season of life looks like but I can assume if you are here reading this, maybe overwhelm has been harassing you lately as well.

If in the midst of a stressful season you’ve ever found yourself asking questions like, “Where is God when I am overwhelmed,” “What does He think about my overwhelm,” or “What can I expect from God in seasons where I am overwhelmed?” then this is for you.

Here are some verses that point us towards God’s heart for us when we find ourselves overwhelmed and what we can expect from Him when we are in over our heads.

Rest

Overwhelm is defined as being buried or drowned beneath the weight of a considerable mass. I think that is the perfect definition for the feeling. Overwhelm can be crushing. So the first thing you can expect God to offer you in stressful seasons is rest. When you are overwhelmed watch for Him to call you back to rest. Expect Him to show up even in small moments and offer you a place where you can hide away and recuperate under His covering.

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Passion Translation)

“O God, hear my prayer. Listen to my heart’s cry. For no matter where I am, even when I’m far from home, I will cry out to you for a father’s help. When I’m feeble and overwhelmed by life, guide me into your glory, where I am safe and sheltered.” Psalm 61:1-2 (The Passion Translation)

“His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you. You can run under his covering of majesty and hide. His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.” Psalm 91:4 (The Passion Translation)

Sleep

Sleep is very different from rest. Rest is when you cease working and striving to relax and be refreshed and restored. Sleep, on the other hand, can be a whole different challenge when our seasons are plagued by stressful circumstances. I believe that night time is a whole additional battleground.

Nevertheless, we have victory even in the night. During seasons of overwhelm, stress and anxiety can try to keep you awake throughout the night, but He gives His children sleep. You can expect the Father to provide you with sleep because it is a Biblical promise.

We had a season where Mike was attacked by anxiety almost every night. It got so bad we feared it was actually his heart but we clung to this verse, and we’ve seen HUGE breakthrough.

“Now, because of you, Lord, I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once, for no matter what happens, I will live unafraid!” Psalm 4:8 (The Passion Translation)

Wisdom

I know that you need more than just rest and sleep to navigate seasons of overwhelm. You need tools and resources to find solutions to the things that are weighing on you. That is why in these times you can look to the Father for an increase of wisdom and discernment to navigate the season.

“Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear.” Psalm 119:105 (The Passion Translation)

“The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord, and God delights in every step they take to follow him. If they stumble badly they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with his hands.” Psalm 37:23-24 (The Passion Translation)

“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong.” Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Passion Translation)

Help

Many believers get deceived into accepting the lie that God isn’t that interested in our day to day struggles and circumstances, but that is so far from the truth. If it matters to you, it matters to Him. He loves you, and He wants to be involved and included in all of the details of your life.

When life rages around you, you can look to Him for help. He’ll show up. He’s literally sent His Spirit who is called the Helper. He wants to help, and He is only ever just a prayer away.

But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like me who sets you free, he will teach you all things in my name. And he will inspire you to remember every word that I’ve told you. John 14:26 (The Passion Translation)

“Lord, direct me throughout my journey so I can experience your plans for my life. Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you. Escort me along the way; take me by the hand and teach me. For you are the God of my increasing salvation; I have wrapped my heart into yours!” Psalm 25:4-5 (The Passion Translation)

So when stress, anxiety, and burnout threaten to overwhelm you with their weight, I pray you are reminded that you can expect your Father to be more than willing to step in and help by giving you shelter and rest from the circumstances. By making sure you are getting enough sleep to have a clear and level head. By increasing your wisdom and discernment and by stepping in and helping by working things out for your good.

If you want more on the topic of handling overwhelm you can check out our post on Verses For An Overwhelmed Heart to get more great verses to hold on to. You can also read our post on Verses For Overwhelm, Burnout & Stress for even more verses.

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All the verses shared in today post are taken from one of Mike and I’s favorite translations The Passion Translation. We love this version and the heart behind it. Best part is the kindle version is usually available on Amazon for under $10. Last time I checked it was only $4.99! You can check it out here.

Thank you for reading and sharing!