What to Do When You are Overwhelmed

3 action steps to take when stress and anxiety take over.

Got a stack of bills waiting for you on the counter?

Family relationships in a mess?

Are we going to see World War III?

We are all facing many problems on a personal and global scale.

Dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed can bring stress and anxiety.

There are plenty of examples in the Bible where God helped people face overwhelming circumstances:
Job - when he lost all his family, possessions, and health.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego - when the king wanted to kill them by fire.
Moses - when his people blamed him for all their troubles.

King David’s music director, Asaph, wrote Psalm 77 while he was carrying heavy burdens. Let’s follow his example:

Seek the Lord.

“In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord…” Psalm 77:2 (NKJV)

Pray - Tell God your feelings.

“I cried out to God with my voice— To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me.” Psalm 77:1

Remember what God has done for you in the past.

“I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11

Asaph decided to shift his focus to God’s capabilities. Remembering how God has helped us in the past can encourage us in our present circumstances.

When our focus turns to God’s promises instead of our problems, hope shines brighter.

Looking back at your life, what has God brought you through?

When did He sustain you when you thought you couldn’t keep going?

Last year, I compiled a list of times God provided for my needs and brought me through deep valleys. I review it when I need to trust God about a trial I am facing.

Instantly, my resolve is strengthened. My heart is reassured. It reminds me how God will always see me through.

It seemed the Israelites repeatedly had difficulty trusting God. They continually forgot how He had shown them His love and power in the past. They were often punished for their foolishness. Let’s not make the same mistake of forgetting God’s faithfulness.

When we’re overwhelmed by life’s circumstances:
Seek God
Pray
Remember what He’s brought us through over the years

For more verses on this subject, see Psalm 62:1-3, Psalm 143:4-6, Psalm 78:7-8