When My Heart Is Overwhelmed
“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ”
Last week, Jason and I attended the two-day mini orientation with our mission board. Let me clarify that it’s called a “mini orientation” because of the number of days, not the amount of information shared. By the end of the first day, I thought my head might explode from everything I was trying to take in and process. Gracious!
The training, however, is a necessary step in helping missionaries to know what to do and what to expect. In some ways, I felt encouraged, but in a lot of ways, I was overwhelmed. I knew we had a lot of work to accomplish soon and that we were facing a “new normal” in our lives, but having all the details spelled out for us in the training created a new level of anxiety for me. How are we going to get all of this done? Where will we find the time? The energy? Am I going to be able to keep up with this pace? What have we gotten ourselves into?
To be honest, by Saturday, I was fairly sure I was about ready to fall apart, so I did the only thing I knew to do—I cried out to God and prayed the psalmist’s prayer. “Lord, my heart is overwhelmed. Please lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” I needed that solid rock because my feet were slipping. I needed God to hold me in His grip because I no longer had the strength to hold on. I needed God to remind me that I am an overcomer because I was feeling overcome by worry and stress. My heart, my strength, and my resolve were failing, but I knew God never would. I needed God to lead me to a higher place, and He did.
When I awoke this morning and glanced at my to-do list, I felt that same sense of panic and overwhelm creeping into my heart and mind, but instead of allowing it to take root, I visited the Rock once again and laid out my burden before Him. I confessed my fears and concerns. I voiced my feelings of inadequacy. I pleaded for peace and strength. And God answered with this verse:
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. ”
God is doing a new thing in our lives. He has opened a new door for us, and that’s a good thing. Yes, it’s intimidating and scary. Yes, it’s a lot of work. And yes, if I allow it, the entire process can overwhelm me. But through His precious Word, God has reminded me that He will make a way. He will provide whether it be financially or emotionally. He is the Rock that is higher than I, and He is always accessible. I do not walk alone, so I do not need to feel overcome. God’s got this!
Are you feeling overwhelmed today? Are you battling feelings of anxiety, stress, or defeat? If so, I urge you to go to the Rock. Talk to the One who is never overwhelmed, the One in control of it all. Find strength, peace, and comfort knowing that whatever path you’re walking today, God will make a way.