10 Verses For When You Feel Overwhelmed
I’m So Overwhelmed
I, like I’m sure many of you, find myself saying “I’m so overwhelmed” far too often. I say yes to too many things, and I don’t prioritize time management. If you google the meaning of “overwhelm,” one of the definitions says to “defeat completely.” Do you often feel defeated? Like you’re giving so much of yourself that there’s nothing left inside of you? I have a strong feeling that many of us relate to this. So, I thought it would be helpful to remind all of us of some truths from the Bible. When you’re feeling beat down and overwhelmed, or maybe even anxious because of all you have going on, I want you to refer to these 10 verses. I want them to serve as reminders of the hope that we have in Jesus, even when we feel hopeless.
Deuteronomy 31:8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
This is so encouraging to me! In everything we walk through, the Lord goes before us. Nothing is surprising to him. Nothing is too big for him to handle. Whatever he brings you to, he will bring you through. He will never leave you!
Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
LEAN ON THE LORD. No matter what you’re going through, he is the strength you need. Those who follow him will will receive the perseverance to run and not grow weary.
Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all 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.”
Jesus is the only one that can give you true rest. We can’t rely on ourselves to get us through difficult seasons. We must run to him! There we will find the comfort we are longing for.
Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
I find a lot of comfort in this verse. David is telling us that it is okay to cry out! It’s okay to be honest with God about how you’re feeling. He hears you and he will deliver you according to his will.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The enemy is real. And his main goal is to steal your life and your joy from you. But, when we follow Jesus, we have HOPE in the gospel. The gospel that says Jesus came to earth and lived a perfect life, bore our sins and died a death that we deserved, and then he rose again 3 days later. All so we could have life and have it abundantly in him!
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declared the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
You may be going through a lot right now. Maybe it seems like too much and you can’t handle it all. Read this verse again. It’s a promise from God that he knows what he is doing in your life. His plans are never to hurt you nor forsake you, but rather to give you abundant life and for you to flourish! Lean into him and trust him through the valleys. That’s where our faith grows the most.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
In my own life, I’ve seen things fail when I rely on my own strength and my own plan. But time and time again, when I surrender it to the Lord, he never fails me. I find life, joy, and purpose when I trust in him. Keep your eyes on the Lord in every situation and he will lead you where you are supposed to go.
Psalm 121:1-2 “I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Our help does not come from the things of this earth. It does not come from creation, but the Creator! Don’t count on temporary, fleeting things to get you through the day. Count on the one constant and eternal being – God.
1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.”
To cast all your anxieties on the Lord shows your trust in him and your humility. A lot times, trying to handle everything on our own is what contributes to our anxiety. So, this verse not only challenges us to let go, but gives us hope that God will sustain us through it all.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This is quite the command. Do not be anxious? It’s not always that easy to just turn it off. But here, Paul is commanding us to not choose anxiety, but rather to choose prayer. In EVERYTHING. Meaning there are not areas of your life that aren’t of concern to God. He wants every part of you. Every worry, every doubt, even every joy! When we bring these things to him, we are met with peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace that doesn’t make sense to the world. Peace that only comes from our Heavenly Father.
Challenges:
Memorize Scripture. Reading scripture is so important. But let’s take it one step further and memorize it. Then, it is at the forefront of our minds each day and we are better prepared for the spiritual battle going on in the world.
Pray to the Lord. Ask him to lead you. Surrender to him. Talk with him throughout the day and I promise you he will hear you.
Wake up every day and choose God. Choose him over worry, doubt, and anxiety. I know it’s not always easy. But even just simply saying “God, today I choose you” will make more of an impact on your day than you may know.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your Word and the comfort that it brings us. Even when the world around us seems to be crashing down and we feel lost, remind us of the hope we have in you. Because of the work of Jesus Christ, we can cling to you and you will be our strength, our peace, and our help in time of need. You are all that we need! May we run to you, lean on you, and trust you in every aspect of our lives. For nothing is ever too big for you. We love you and we give you all the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus’ name! Amen!