There are times in our lives where circumstances overwhelm us and situations get us down. We find ourselves in a position where we feel swamped with what we are facing.
Why is it we feel like this?
Many times it’s because we are facing change in our lives. We want to be able to control what is changing, but it’s not possible. It’s out of our hands and we get scared.
I felt like this four months ago when my life completely changed. I found out I was pregnant again. We already have three beautiful children, but always wanted four. My youngest is now six years old so we kind of gave up trying last year.
We thought the chance of having a fourth child would never happen. We resided ourselves to this fact and started giving away every baby item we had accumulated. When we found out, we were shocked, but absolutely elated about having another child. But then it sunk in…we had given away most of our baby items. Starting over again was going to be costly.
How were we going to manage?
As the weeks went on, slowly I began to feel I was being held. I didn’t feel so worried about the changes taking place. I felt a peace within me which I had never really experienced before. I just knew that everything would be ok.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
However, a few weeks ago we found our lives getting even more complicated. At my twelve week scan, we found out we were having twins! Can you imagine the shock we had? This put a whole new dimension on our lives. Twins? Double the trouble!
The Peace I encountered in the first 3 months slowly was dissipating. Concerns of how we were going to manage had doubled. Plans we had made for our holidays looked like a dream. There was a moment where we couldn’t see how we were going to get through this.
I was in a place where all I could do was just cry. Everything got on top of me and I just sat there with my head in my hands.
“God, if you hear me, please help me?”
I was at the end of my rope, clinging on and not knowing what to do next. I was so overwhelmed. I surprised myself with what I did crying out to God. Why? You may think this is not surprising and it’s what I should do anyway.
However, I very rarely turn to God when I should. I am so independent as a person…and stubborn! I think I know best and I want to figure it out on my own. Maybe, you are like this too? It’s ok. God knows and He is listening to you whether you voice it to Him, or keep it locked up deep inside. He knows.
“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.” Psalm 61:2
There is one thing this pregnancy is teaching me, and that is to trust God. From the moment I found out I was pregnant (unexpectedly may I add) to when we found out I was carrying twins (double the shock) I am learning a new found confidence in God. I am having to trust God with all areas of my life…
To trust God that He has me.
To trust God that He knows my anxieties.
To trust God that He will provide.
To trust God that He will sustain me.
When I was in tears, I felt all was lost. The first one I turned to though was God. Through my tears of frustration, anger and disappointment, I cried it all out to Him.
By the end of the day I felt a sense of calm. My situation was not sorted, but I could feel that He was working things out. He knows what our needs are and He will provide for them in the right way.
Something to think about…
Are you going through something right now and it seems like there is no way out? You can’t see which way to turn to make things right. Let me encourage you to turn to God and voice your thoughts to Him. You may not receive an answer straight away, but knowing He is there to hear you gives you a peace that no other can give in this world.
Prayer
Lord, often I find I can deal with situations on my own, or at least I think I can. Sometimes, everything gets on top of me and I feel it’s impossible to find a way out. Nothing is ever impossible for you, God. Help me to remember this, especially when I feel everything around me is crashing down. You are the One who is constant and will always remain by my side, even when I falter. Help me to turn to you more each day. Amen.
