(I tried to think of a photo that depicts stress, and I remembered the day Caleb had his first hair cut. I think this is the only picture I have of either of my children crying. I didn’t want a bunch of pictures reminding me of unhappy moments. I’m thankful mental pictures fade over time.)
Last week I started to feel overwhelmed. A lot of things were piling up. One of my children has been dealing with much anxiety. The death of a friend. Lots of extra activities and volunteering at school. Feeling chronically behind in all my chores and to-do tasks because of our sick April. Trying to be all things to all people. And a few other things.
God reminded me that I can handle all these things. Not because I’m Wonder Woman. But because His grace and power enables me to deal with everything that comes my way, IF I give them to Him and stop trying to solve problems by myself. Did I listen to Him? Yes. Did I allow His gentle reminder to sink into my heart? No. I just kept plugging along, pretending I was fine, and WHAM, I had a meltdown on Tuesday.
I prayed. I sent a message to a friend, and I asked her to pray. I thought I was going to be okay. But then more stress was dumped on me, and I felt helpless. I talked to Kevin after the kids went to bed, and I just cried everything out. Nothing like a good cry to relieve stress.
The next day? I was a different person. Happy, calm, secure. The only explanation is God. I didn’t come up with some grand solution to all my problems. I just knew everything was going to be okay. I knew God has all the answers, and little by little, He will give me the guidance I need to deal with all the unexpected circumstances that pop up.
Thank you to Kevin and TZ for praying for me. I was in the place where the only thing I could think to say was, “Help me, Jesus.” So I know your words moved the heart of God. Thank you for speaking to Him for me.
“Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
“weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:15
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:33 (AMP)
Hey Lisa,
So sorry to hear you’ve been overwhelmed, but glad you’re doing better! I recently lost a friend too – a young mother my age. God had to work in my heart to get me through that also. It is humbling how God uses these times in our lives to bring us back into full dependence on Him. Thank you for sharing your story. Our husbands are so wonderful for us too!
Renee, I’m sorry to hear you lost a friend recently. I will pray that God continues to heal your heart.
Yes, I agree. Our husbands are wonderful for us! Kevin is strong when I need to lean on him. And he can make me laugh, which helps a lot too!
Thanks for stopping by and chatting!
thank you ♥ for the ever-needed reminders ♥ God’s Peace to you for today…and tomorrow
Thank you for your encouragement, Susan! You are a blessing.
I think you picked a PERFECT picture. You know why? Because we can ALL relate to how Caleb’s feeling. When I look at that picture, you know what I see? I see myself, sitting in my loving Father’s strong arms. He has allowed me to step into new territory, which is unsettling in and of itself. And then I see this SHARP thing – in a stranger’s hand, nonetheless. I hear His voice assuring me of His love (as I’m crying out in fear), but a sharp tool in a stranger’s hand? That clearly defies logic! Then I hear him telling me that this will actually be good for me. WHAT??
While our circumstances our different, you know I can relate to feeling overwhelmed, and certainly the vain attempt of trying to do things on my own strength. And while I don’t consider myself one that gets stressed out easily, the few areas in life that would trigger stress have certainly been triggered. Repeatedly. And in pretty big ways, too. But as I sit there in my Father’s lap, I’m actually starting to see how that haircut is, in fact, “cutting” off things in my heart and mind so that His grace and His glory may be more beautifully revealed in, through, and TO me! Now, am I ready to jump out of His lap and bolt out of there? Mhmm!! But I will continue to trust that HIS plans and HIS timing are far, far better than anything I could come up with. Whether I understand His plans and timing – OR NOT! I WILL trust Him!
Thank you so much for your transparency. I’m so honored to call you my friend, and I’m so very thankful for the way that the Lord ministered to you with His peace that passes human understanding last week.
LOVE YOU,
TZ
p.s. Do I win the prize for the longest comment EVER??
Thank you, T. You beautifully described the truth behind my circumstances. Every trial and temptation I encounter is a tool to chip away the ugly things in my life to make me look more like Christ.
I need to surrender my will to His and trust His plans for me.
Ever thankful for your friendship and encouragement,
Lisa