This could be a post that is a bit too real, but the purpose of my writing (at least at this point) is more therapeutic for me than useful for you. It doesn’t mean that I don’t value you and your readership; only that sometimes I write because I need to process more than I need to present. Hopefully, you’ll give me the grace to do that.
I thought about starting this with a simple question like “ever had one of THOSE weeks?” but the reality is that we all have. All of us have had days, weeks, and maybe even longer stretches like months and years during which we felt like it was one thing after another. Usually, these seasons are brought on by things outside of our control, but the seasons tend to stay because we then allow those things to control us. So how can we experience ups and downs without allowing those same ups and downs to affect us to the point that all we want to do is pull the covers over our eyes and “rest” a little longer in the bed?
Here are a few things that help me when the waves feel like they just keep coming. Maybe they’ll help you, too. They are unapologetically rooted in my deep love for and faith in Jesus. If you don’t share that, it’s okay.
Remember that being overwhelmed isn’t abnormal.
I want to be careful that we don’t minimize the very real emotions that come with being overwhelmed, but I also want to very clearly and gently remind us that being overwhelmed is a when not an if. One of my favorite verses in the Bible says “when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2 – emphasis mine) Notice the word “when.” What you and I are feeling during those “wave crashing” seasons isn’t unique to us. Others experience them, too, because none of us were wired to be able to handle everything that comes our way. That might seem a little more overwhelming, but it’s actually comforting to know that the One who knows me best didn’t create me to handle it alone.
[Tweet “None of us were wired to be able to handle everything that comes our way.”]Remember that you aren’t alone.
Maybe you noticed this when you read our verse, but if not, pay attention to what King David prayed when he was overwhelmed: “when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I” (emphasis mine). Can I take a minute to point out the obvious? God couldn’t lead David from a place where God wasn’t already present, and it’s true for you and me, too. God is already in the places and seasons that overwhelm us. While others may run from us in those times, the Father does not. Granted, we may feel like He did, but feelings are sometimes terrible at telling us the truth.
[Tweet “God is already present in the places where we need Him.”]Remember who you are
The title of this post is interesting, yes? The answer to “how to be an overcomer” is in realizing that, in Christ, you and I already are. It’s impossible to not be who we already are. That would be like an apple tree trying to be an orange tree. We ARE overcomers. We FEEL overwhelmed. Recognizing the difference is a big part of handling the overwhelming seasons because it helps us remove what we feel from who we are. If you take the time to read Romans 8, you’ll find a section where Paul lists a TON of things that are overwhelming: false charges, condemnation, troubles, hardships, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, death. His response? “In all these things, we are more than conquerors…” (Romans 8:37, emphasis mine). Never let the activity around you shake the identity within you. In all these things, WE ARE.
[Tweet “Never let the activity around you shake the identity within you.”]Remember that small things are a big deal
A lot of people call this a lot of things: eating an elephant one bite at a time (which sounds disgusting), taking the long view, etc. I happen to like the way Dory put it when Marlin was overwhelmed during a dark time as they searched for Nemo: just keep swimming. Instead of being overwhelmed with how far or how long the journey may take you, make the decision that the distance and length won’t stop you. Sometimes being an overcomer simply means refusing to be overcome.
[Tweet “Sometimes being an overcomer simply means refusing to be overcome.”]Today, you and I have the wonderful, powerful ability to make that choice. God gave it to us, and I’m using it to put my hand in His so that He can lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
Let’s go together.
