How true it is that when it rains, it often pours. Even things that are good can be stressful and overwhelming. When was the last time you felt stressed out and overwhelmed? The past month, I have been overwhelmed with the struggles my friends and family are facing, as well as the stress and excitement of beginning my internship.
This past weekend was especially challenging for me, with activities and commitments all day on Saturday & Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm both days. Getting insufficient rest and just being physically exhausted, I was at the end of my rope with literally nothing left to give. But God met me there. He reminded me that His grace was sufficient for me and that His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). His grace and power are what brought me through this weekend and are helping me moment by moment now.
I get stressed out when there’s a lot of stuff to do and not enough time to do it, when life and relationships don’t meet my expectations, and when God takes me out of my comfort zone. I also get stressed when I can’t see how God will make everything turn out alright and when I question His goodness, wondering whether the God I think I know is the God who really is. (Of course, He is the same God, though I can’t see it at that time.)
Basically, I get stressed out when I’m being a control freak and when I’m not trusting God or believing His promises. Is anyone with me?
Listen to the sentiments of the psalmist:
“The floods have risen up, O Lord. The floods have roared like thunder; the floods have lifted their pounding waves. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore – the Lord above is mightier than these!” - Psalm 93:3-4 (NLT)
Oh, the floods of life. Yes, life sometimes does seem like more than we can handle…and you know why? Because IT IS!!
We’re not supposed to be in control of every single detail of our lives. We have a mighty God who is so much mightier than anything life will throw at us. We’ve got to love Him and lean on Him, because He’s our greatest ally!
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today…The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:13-14
