4 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm, Part 2

I often need to be reminded of a few things. You see, there are some great truths that I declare I know. Yet, I catch myself thinking a thought or making a statement that doesn’t exactly line up. I am tempted to go along with the world, to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and to feel like I need to do what everyone else is doing. What about you?

While we sing and proclaim that this is the most wonderful time of the year, that may not be our reality. We are stressed and worn out. We are missing loved ones. We are carrying burdens that are far too heavy. Or, maybe we are just simply distracted by everything around us and are missing what it is that is so wonderful about Christmastime.

As I shared in Part 1 of the 4 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm (click here to read), I was recently asked to speak on How to Overcome the Overwhelm and to be Present. As I began to prepare, God led me to Ephesians 2. Right there in print He showed me the 4 steps we need to take. It seems so simple. You know these 4 things. But the struggle is Satan is working overtime to distract us, make us feel defeated, and to delay us from stepping into all that is ours.

Let’s review…

Step 1: Remember Who You Are. You are a Daughter of the King. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

For those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Savior, overwhelm is not for us. (Did you just hear the angels sing?) We have a choice to refuse this unwanted gift that Satan is offering us. If you have already accepted it and are feeling overwhelmed – it’s not too late. Today is a great day to get on your knees, ask God to forgive you for forgetting who you are, and to lay your overwhelm at His feet. Then you will be ready for your next step…

Step 2: Remember what He has done. (Ephesians 2:11-13)

Don’t lose sight of what Christmas is really all about. It’s not about a baby, or the presents, or the decorations. It’s not about Santa Claus or twinkling lights or caroling. Christmas, the birth of our Savior, is all about HOPE.

This hope is ours even if we don’t have a Christmas tree, relatives to celebrate with or money to purchase gifts. It is ours if our house is so full and chaotic we cannot hear ourself think. No matter how festive we are, depressed we are, or overwhelmed we are - nothing can take this hope away from us. It is the most amazing gift that has ever been given. Don’t lose sight of it. You see,

For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whoever believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

What does that mean for you and me?

Without the cradle, there could be no cross, no crucifixion, no resurrection.

Without the cradle, the cross, and the crucifixion – there could be no reconciliation for us to God. We would be left hopeless.

But now, we have this great HOPE because we have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ.

What are we to do?

Jesus gave His life for us. Now, it’s our turn to give our life as a living sacrifice back to Him. We are to sacrifice our worldly desires, and walk the path He has laid out for us. No longer doing everything our way, but choosing to live His way. No longer trying to control, but resting in Him (no overwhelm) because He is in control and we trust Him.

And I continually long to know the wonders of Jesus and to experience the overflowing power of His resurrection working in me. I will be one with Him and His sufferings and become like him in his death. Only then will I be able to experience complete oneness with Him in His resurrection from the realm of death. I admit that I haven't yet acquired the absolute fullness that I'm pursuing, but I run with passion into His abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me His home. I don't depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory prize through the anointing of Jesus. So let all who are fully mature have this same passion, and if anyone is not yet gripped by these desires, God will reveal it to them. And let us all advance together to reach this victory prize, following one path with one passion. Philippians 3:10-16 The Passion Translation (Read it here in NKJV)

How do we do this?

We fix our eyes on Jesus. We stop looking at ourselves. Stop looking to those around us. Stop looking down. Look in that cradle and see our Savior. Hope came down that Christmas morning and that changed everything for us. We are no longer doomed to hell without any hope. Instead, we have the hope of eternity with Him. That is worthy of a celebration!

And in the meantime, as we fix our eyes on Jesus – we can be like Peter. You see, we don’t have to just sit in our comfy boat and wait to get to heaven. No. We can lock eyes with Jesus, throw our leg over the side of the boat, and walk on the water with Him.

And when we do, we will experience Him in a way we have never known.

This year – exchange your overwhelm for His presence. Sit with Him. Walk with Him and talk with Him. Ask Him to help you know what you should say yes to and what you should say no to. Rest in Him even in the midst of the chaos – remember who you are and remembering what He has done for you personally.

I am praying for you!

Love-

Pam

p.s. Stay tuned for Step 3. 😊

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