“I’m feeling so overwhelmed!” Is that a statement that we have all made at some point or in some season in our lives? We have to delve into why we feel this way. Is it because we don’t believe that God is in control? Is it because there is power that we need to relinquish? Is it because we feel that we must do everything ourselves? Do we feel that things won’t be done to our level of expectation? Do we think that our worth is seen through our performance? Think about this.
So what if the house is not clean? Who’s going to see it? So what if we decide to take a nap because we need mental, physical, and spiritual rest? Whi will feel better because if it? So what if you just can’t add any more responsibilities to your full plate? It is okay to say “no.” It is okay to rest. Sometimes, we forget that God is in our midst of every area of life. Why should we think that we are more powerful than God or more in control than He is? What causes this sense of being overwhelmed?
A friend responded, “It is spiritual warfare! The enemy comes for you when you are doing the right thing and honoring God in your actions and your obedience!” The feeling of being overwhelmed is the perfect opportunity for the enemy to plant seeds that we are lazy. We are not worthy. We we are not good enough. We are undeserving of thanks. We are less than. We are not loveable. We are everything that the enemy declares. Don’t be deceived. Remember Ephesians 6:10-18. The Armor of God.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Putting on the armor means clothing ourselves in truth. Sometimes, we needed to be reminded of who we serve and who has control over us. With the breastplate, we soak up God’s word because it leads to righteousness, especially when the enemy is trying to fill our minds and hearts with untruths. Put on the shoes if peace and surround yourselves with scripture and others who will pray over you and into you. Never surrender your peace to insecurity in Christ. You know who you are and whose you are. There are times when replenishing our faith is a necessity because it can grow stagnant. Carry your shield if faith boldly. Do not shy away or feel ashamed for believing. It b is not about you or your circumstance. It is about serving the one who loves, protects, and provides for you. The LORD! As you place the helmet of salvation upon your head, Surrender thoughts that don’t line up with Scripture, or thought that cause you to doubt and question the things not of God. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
The next time that being overwhelmed, busy, agitated, angry, or critical creeps into your spirit and reduces you to someone that you are not, stop and get dressed. The armor covers and protects you! You are not fighting to win a war because the battle has been won. You are constantly engaging your thoughts with Him. The most powerful weapon that you have is a sword of spirit. It is the word of God that offers you peace. It is His word that relieves you from being overwhelmed. When you are feeling this way, lean into His Word.
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