For me, it’s a lot of those things. I have too many tasks on my to-do list, including my writing to-do list. Back problems prevent me from keeping up with things around my house, and having an autoimmune disease often throws me into fatigue. My husband has had health concerns lately. My heart continually aches missing my kids and grandkids far away. Not a day goes by when I’m not reminded of my sweet parents and miss them. Our country and world weigh heavy on me as well. I could go on, but I’m sure you get the point.

However, I’m reminded of Psalm 142:3 NLT:

When I am overwhelmed,
you alone know the way I should turn.

It’s a “Jesus take the wheel!” moment.

As I seek God’s help, strength, and guidance, the overwhelm dissipates into peace. None of this is too much for Him, even our world. It may not seem it, but He has everything under control. It’s me who doesn’t. It’s me who’s looking at the storm instead of at Him. It’s me who’s looking at my running-off-the-page to-do list. I need to seek Him for what He has for me, one moment, one hour, one day—one breath at a time. When we hand Him the controls, we can sit back and cruise in calm, no matter how bumpy the ride.

As for the hurting heart, He knows about that too. According to John 16:7, He is our “Helper” (NKJV), our Comforter (KJV). Second Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) explains, He is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” And Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).

This is why the apostle Paul could say, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT). He’ll hide me in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 17:8 NLT). He is a Mighty Fortress! (as talked about in my last post)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

Those aren’t just pretty words. It’s something I—we—are to do each day. We must hide in His shelter, take refuge in His fortress, seek His guidance, choose to receive His comfort, “put on” His armor—if we’re going to “stand,” as Paul told us in Ephesians 6:11. The preceding verse admonishes us that this is how we remain “strong in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

“I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NLT, emphasis added).

“Without Him I can do nothing” (John 15:5 NKJV).

Without Him, I will stay overwhelmed.

As long as we’re overwhelmed by Him, we won’t be overwhelmed by the world.

In the midst of my to-do list, which includes “write blog,” though I didn’t think I’d get to it, here it is. He gave it to me as I sat with Him this morning, giving Him my overwhelm, seeking His comfort, leaning on His strength, asking for His will and plan. As a result He’s filled me with His peace—in spite of the rest of my to-dos, in spite of my ailing body, in spite of the news . . .

“My peace I give to you; not as the world gives…” John 14:27 NKJV

Isn’t God good?

No matter what, as long as I’m riding with Him, I know I’ll get there in one peace.