Overcome the Overwhelm

To the September one who says “I’m overwhelmed” – I hear you.  I am you.

This is the month when everything begins.  All. At. Once.  And so, usual life needs to be pushed in between the lines of a Fall schedule that reads can’t rest till I do list that you’re flooded with. Also, there’s the added current crazy – dealing with too much information, too many lies, too many decisions to take us over our overfed head.  It reminds me of a Lennon song from the 80s – “everybody’s talking and no one says a word. Nobody told me there’d be days like these, strange days indeed.”  And dark . . .

It can make our weary soul feel shattered from the weight of it all.

I’ve been part of Precept Inductive Bible studies for decades – so, I’m always looking to the original Greek meaning of words to get a better handle on language and life.  The word overwhelm means deluge, to cause to surround and cover up.  Yep, that’s the feeling. Buried.

The word overcome means to conquer, to prevail.  And yep, that’s what I need just for a moment.

So how do we turn overwhelm to overcome when we feel like we’re overworked with a 14 day week in the midst of family, ministry and half-finished things?

What to do? Ah, maybe the spa.  The last time I ran to the spa for a “restful” mani-pedi, I chipped the polish by impatiently tapping my foot and commanding my toes to “dry now!”  Obviously, I was on to the next thing before I could take a messy step.

It wasn’t restful.

So this is one holy reason I’m grateful for the many beloved sisters in Christ I meet with every week for Bible study. It has been a special lifeline I definitely make time for – to faithfully gather together in the Word on a Thursday morning with these dear ladies.  Also, I meet with a mix of women in other ministries and circles during the month and notice the same theme to the many prayer concerns.  A need for restoration.  We are all in need of some kind of rest and restoration within our families, finances, relationships, health and deep within our faith.

It won’t come without intention and knowing where to go for true rest, because it’s there in the resting place that overcomes the overwhelm.  Greek root translation, all good and encouraging words – renew, reset, rebuild, revive.  Jesus knew how and then taught us how to dump the clamor of a crowded life – it’s in the quiet.

You may not do “be still” very well, but may we try together to practice stillness where our Father desires to meet with us.  Find an uplifting verse and embrace it.  Search the Psalms, it’s like having a resident therapist to get you through the moment. Pray it – write it – and believe it and see if September becomes more colorful as you experience ~ Be still and know that I am God (Ps 46)  – Eight words that can change your life . . .

My soul waits in silence for God only – from Him is my salvation.  He only is my rock and my stronghold, I shall not be shaken.  Psalm sixty-two