"What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed" - DAY #6: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional

Friday, October 13, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


  What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed 


The precursor to mental illness is mental and emotional distress. Some pressure and stress in life is normal. Abnormal pressure and stress is harmful. Sometimes, abnormal things come when we lose focus on our purpose.

In challenging times, you might identify with David’s words:

Psalms 142:3-4 “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk...Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.”

At all times, life brings joys and challenges. David faced all manner of difficulties and pain, but he learned to stay close to the Lord, and he wrote Psalms (or songs) to help carry his heart to God. Those among us who are called to serve can easily become commodities, fixtures, and tools for others. 

There are times when it feels like, "no one cares for my soul." People often ask, or tell you, what you can do for them. Few ask, "How are you? How may I serve you?" This is, in part, the cost we must count to be a servant. This is why the Apostle Paul told Timothy, "Take heed to yourself..." (1 Timothy 4:16) You are always responsible for your own health and rest.

Our strength is found in the words and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

John 10:9-10, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

The same principles that apply to "sheep" apply to leaders and servants. I listened to a teaching by Bishop T.D. Jakes who said, "The enemy is always trying to destroy what is within you" The point he made was this: While we focus on present circumstances, the "thief" (satan) is working to undermine your purpose, your future, and the things God intends to bring through your life for coming generations. Part of that comes from demands not related to your purpose.

Remember that only God through Christ has the grace and power to cause you to experience "life, and that more abundantly.”

Go that way.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What is the enemy trying to destroy within you? What things not related to your purpose do you need to let go? Has self-pity become an issue?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:

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