Each and every day there are so many things that come our way, feelings we have to deal with, news we weren’t expecting, situations that cause disruptions in our lives, etc. Amongst all of this it is easy to get lost, to become buried. Sometimes it all brings you to the place of being overwhelmed.
No one ever desires to be overwhelmed, they don’t want to feel unable to keep up with to do lists, activities or responsibilities. Yet, all too often we get to this place, where nothing can be balanced, it’s all topsy, turvy stacked just hanging on until another bump in the road when it will call come crashing down.
When we reach the point of being overwhelmed, we often wonder how we got there. What decision(s) led us to this state of constant pressure and no rest? How did we let it get so far…so out of control?
When exhaustion begins to set in we begin to think, how can I get control of all of this? What do I need to do to handle it all?
The answers to these questions don’t always come easy and they aren’t always the ones we want or expect. Sometimes they come hard, sudden and break your heart because the very answer to you gaining control means letting go of something very dear to you. Other times the answers are plain, simple and right in front of you.
The hardest part has yet to come. See those of us that find ourselves overwhelmed (especially if we’ve gotten to this place more than once), it’s often due to our inability to say no. We just can’t do it. Someone needs help with a task, a ministry needs a new leader, or a great new idea requires carrying out.
It is not always just our inability to say no that causes us to be overwhelmed, life happens and hard times come when we’re struggling to tread water. It is during those deep water moments that we must hold onto our Rock, God who keeps us safe, who holds us up when we feel overwhelmed.
The hardest part of climbing out of being overwhelmed is the letting go. Letting go of hopes, dreams and things special to you. Loosening the grip because you know that you’re not going to be able to tread water forever, at some point your legs will give out. It is in the letting go that we see hope. Hope that we can truly live again without fear of drowning. Sometimes getting to the sight of hope brings some pain and sorrow because hearts are fragile and things we hold onto become part of our hearts. Yet, through it all that glimmer of hope remains. Hope that we can gain control and spend time with out families just resting in the gift of the moment with them.
Being overwhelmed doesn’t have to be your way of life forever. It is our responsibility to learn to say no, to think of how something will affect our family before we take it on, to pray and seek God’s will and direction in regards to any changes we’re considering. We must remember that just because an opportunity comes our ways doesn’t mean God desires us to do it. We must learn to be discerning in all things. That is they key to not becoming overwhelmed….discernment. Learning when to say no and how to let go.
The choices are yours. Freedom can be too. The question is will you begin and follow through with the processes of letting go and learning to say no?
I’m learning the fine art of saying no more. I personally don’t do well with having to say it to others when they need my help. I’m trying really hard to not let myself get overwhelmed this school year. Great post.
Saying no does not come easy for me either π I am trying very hard to learn to say yes to the right things! Blessings Crystal!
Being overwhelmed is no fun and it can become a permanent condition… saying no helps much….. but sometimes a real re-training time is also needed for family who like having Superwoman in the home…. it is hard to set those limits on what we will/can do… and it is so easy to feel guilty, so we keep on doing just a “little more”. It is important to address this, though… the work God has for us can easily be done carelessly as we become exhausted. Thank you for posting this.
Yes, if we have too much on our plates we won’t do as well in all that we do. We are called to do all things well, so we must stop stacking the plates so high in order to fulfill that calling. Blessings Gentle Joy!
Thanks – a very timely reminder for myself. I find recognising that ‘overwhelmed’ is the state that I’m in is a starting point, often the very overwhelmingness π makes that tricky!
Yes indeed that does make it tricky! LOL! What freedom there is when we slow down and take time to think things through before we become overwhelmed! Blessings Belinda!
Being overwhelmed…yes, I can relate to that! Saying no helps. Asking for help also helps. And for me, who is probably a bit too type A :), routines and schedules do wonders for our family.
Asking for help is something I’m personally not very good at π I tend to think I can take on the world and do it all alone. When I get to that place is when God tends to humble me. I’m learning to lean on Him more as I grow. Blessings Lauren!
Been there so many times before! Knowing that only He could help me climb out….one step at a time. Great post Misty π
Oh yes! One step at a time! It reminds me of a book that my mom gave me that helped me through a lot of things. You can find it here –> https://www.amazon.com/Just-Enough-Light-Step-Im/dp/0736923578 – Blessings Rach!
So glad I found you on the link up party! Thanks for sharing this! Love it! I am your newest follower! π
Thank you so much for sharing! <3 I'm glad you stopped by! Blessings Amanda!
I really identify with this post today. I often feel overwhelmed. Life can be so hard. Thanks for the reminder that we need to focus on Him and let Him set our priorities.
Yes, it can be very difficult to remember that it all comes back to our focus on the Lord. If we focus on Him and His will for our days then our stress will be less and priorities clear. <3
I have to prioritiesβ¦ I have a tendency to try to do everything. When I do that I can’t do anything well and usually feel overwhelmed!
Yes! That is SO true! Lately my plates have been VERY full and I’m having to prioritize just to get through the day! Blessings Stasia!
Thanks for linking up at Share Your Stuff Tuesdays! Hope you come again soon (Rachael @ https://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com)
Thank you for hosting Rach! π Blessings!
Thanks Misty for linking up with HDYDI and sharing what it’s like to be real with being overwhelmed. We do have a choice to make.
Yes we do, our choices often are the reason we end up at that overwhelmed stage. Blessings!
Extremely well said Misty – Perfect way to start of Salt & Light this week! thanks for sharing again
Marissa
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