How to be overwhelmed by God instead of your circumstances

Honestly, it’s almost hard not to be overwhelmed some days. Do you feel like that? Too much conflict over politics, strife in your family, or at work? Safe places seem in short supply. But what if you could learn how to be overwhelmed by God instead of your circumstances? You can!

When I dropped our youngest son off to begin his new life, far from our home, I was almost immobilized with sadness and fear.

I sat in the car, alone in quiet of the early morning. The subzero temperatures of March slowly filled the car as hot salty tears coursed down my cheeks. Tears that I had not wanted Tim to see. A million memories and thoughts galloped through my mind.

Fighting against every mothering instinct I possessed, I slowly backed out the driveway and headed to the highway.

You may have experienced a similar situation when you dropped a child off at college or to Basic Training. Or maybe when you said goodbye to a loved one. I wonder how you had the strength to leave.

For me, on that journey, it was by leaning into God. I faced my fears, and remembered His power.

First Face Fear

Fear was at the root of my feelings of being overwhelmed. So, the first step I needed to take was to identify what they were. And allow God to show me how to release the worry the fear caused.

I prayed. The miles rolled by. And as I explained my thoughts to Jesus my mind became more settled.

I was afraid that I was abandoning my youngest. Yet, I had to return to my job and my husband.

But God would never leave Tim; he would not be alone.

God’s love was even deeper than mine.

I worried my son would have difficulty with balancing all the tasks of independent living. But my job as an in-person parent ended (or at least was on hiatus).

Our heavenly Father would continue to fulfill that role perfectly. He knew Tim’s needs and would protect and provide for him.  

In facing my fears head-on, I realized there were answers. I became overwhelmed by God’s loving nature. I started to feel peace with my situation. (But I still wished I didn’t have to leave.)

How to be overwhelmed by God’s power

I was feeling less beaten down by my situation. As a result, I could focus on God’s power.

I remembered the many ways He had, by His power, changed the course of our lives. I recalled how God solved problems that seemed impossible. (Here’s an example of one of those solutions)

Tears ran down my face again. But this time, they were tears of thanksgiving and joy.

I remembered stories from the Bible that had helped me as I went through those times.

Accounts, when against all human odds, or calculations of what could happen, God moved miraculously and unexpectedly.

One from the book of Exodus was particularly encouraging. It’s the account of God rescuing the People of Israel from slavery in Egypt. At an impasse, with the Red Sea in front of them, and Pharaoh and his huge army behind them, capture appears inevitable.

But God, using Moses, parts the sea. Two walls of water form.  And the people walk on dry ground, to the other side. When the Egyptians follow them, they are engulfed by the waves. The people are freed! You can read about that miracle here.

When I start to feel overwhelmed by life again, the power of God that is revealed in this rescue continues to help.  

God does not change. He didn’t just move miraculously in the Old Testament.

He is able to work powerfully in your situation, right now, as well as mine. And He wants to.

Chris Tomlin’s “Whom Shall I Fear” helps reinforce to me the majestic power of God. You can listen to it here.

What would happen if you decided to be overwhelmed by God instead of your circumstances?

Like many habits, the more I practice this approach, the easier it is to remember to use it. I identify what is causing my feelings of being overwhelmed.  I consider what I know about God’s character, and how He address my fears. Then, I think about situations in my life and in the Bible where God’s power is revealed. And I listen to songs I find encouraging.

What if I went through these steps more consistently?

I think I would be calmer. And I believe you would likely be less anxious as well.

What effect would that have on the people around us? On our friends, co-workers, and families?

I wonder if we would be gentler and kinder in our interactions. What if that caused those around us to do the same? Can you imagine what a difference that might make?