Feel overwhelmed? Take action.

Focus on doing something for others

Feeling overwhelmed is feeling helpless…but focus on the opposite. There is something to do…a way to take action. It made it feel like there was some hope breaking through. I thought of another verse…for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV) It is so tempting to get angry and respond with negativity. But the way I see it, we need to do what the people did in Pittsburg, go into our neighborhoods and be kind and good. By increasing the good in the world, the Spirit will take away our fear and gift us with love, power and self-control. 

Find ways to store scripture in your heart

My husband is an amazing singer. Years ago, he used to sing a song by Bob Bailey, “Stand.” Those words are coming to mind this morning as I mediate on this scripture.  You can listen along here.

You just stand, when all your courage seems to fail
Stand, when it seems that evil will prevail
Stand, for He shows us in detail
That His love will never fail
And He’ll stand with us

You just stand, when you’ve said all that you can say
Stand, and trust the Lord to make a way
Stand, and live your life from day to day
Trust God to make a way
And then walk through it

For God has not given us a spirit of fear
But He’s given us love and power
And the courage to resist the tempter’s snare
So be not weary in doing well
For only time will tell
All the works He’s begun in you
Will help to see you through
You know He’s word is true
And everything He promised He will do
So having done all to stand, you just stand

You just stand, though you feel no-one’s on your side
Stand, defy the urge to run and hide
Stand, though gloom and darkness override
Trust God to turn the tide
And pull you through, He’ll do it…

All you got to do is stand for He is always there for you
Stand, and He will lead you safely through
Stand, and though you know not what to do
Know that He’s looking out for you
And He won’t fail you.

My God has not given us a spirit of fear
But He’s given us love and power
And the courage to resist the tempter’s snare (All the courage that we need to resist the tempters evil snare)
So be not weary in doing well
For only time is gonna tell
That all the works He’s begun in you
Someday is gonna help to see you through
We know God’s word is true
And everything He promised He will do
So having done all to stand, you just stand

In times like this, I see most clearly the power of spending time with the Bible and in prayer and meditation each day. I remember when I was in high school. I was at a Christian school and they made us memorize a Bible verse every week. I’d grumble and do it, but I really couldn’t see the point. After all, I could just pick up my Bible if I needed inspiration.

Then came the times in my life when I needed scripture, but I didn’t have a Bible nearby (it was the days before cell phones). Those verses came flooding into my mind when needed. Now I make it a point to take in scripture in different ways, so that I will remember it. In addition to Bible verses, I love listening to music that reflects my faith. I would say “Praise Music” but that’s too specific. There are days when I listen to hymns and old gospel songs. There are also times when I love listening to choir arrangements that I remember from over the years. And then there are the great composers. I dare you to listen to Bach and not think of the Divine. 

A way out when you feel overwhelmed

So, what do I on days when I feel overwhelmed? Go to God in prayer and spend time in the Bible. Listen to music that lifts you up and reminds you of God’s promises. And as the book of Timothy suggests, give that fear to God and boldly go out and do something kind for someone, pray for something, or just commune with creation. As Romans tells us, don’t let the evil win, the strongest response is something good.