Do you feel weary? Running and running on the treadmill of life, but somehow the treadmill never stops? Pulled in many directions, as if everyone needs you and they need you NOW? Do you feel weary, tired, and so very overwhelmed with the burdens you carry? I’ve been there. But I can tell you, sister, that there is a place where you can find rest. There is a fountain that never runs dry. There is a Friend you can pour out your heart to.

Read on to learn how to find rest when you feel overwhelmed.

1. Find your secret place.

Sister, God didn’t make you self-sufficient. He doesn’t expect you to live the Christian life all by yourself. You can’t do it without Him. 

That’s why you need to find your secret place each day. The secret place is the time when you get alone with God, read His Word, and talk to Him in prayer. 

In this time, God will minister to your heart as only He can do. Maybe He’ll encourage you with a verse that seems tailor-made for your situation. Or perhaps He will give you some direction on a decision you need to make. He may show you a sin in your life that you need to confess and forsake.

If you are truly seeking Him, God will meet you in the secret place. He will strengthen you for the challenges that lie ahead. And he will give you rest.

2. Keep your eyes on Him.

When you learned how to drive, you probably heard the sage advice, “Focus on a distant point on the road. Don’t focus on a person or landmark because you will hit what you focus on.”

In the same way, if we focus on a stressful situation, we will quickly become worried and fearful. If we look at ourselves, we can become discouraged with our weakness and failures. 

Where should we focus our attention when life overwhelms us? It’s simple.

When life overwhelms you, don’t look at the storm. Look to the Saviour.

(See Mark 4:40.)

That situation that’s keeping you up at night? He already knows what will happen, and He has a good plan.

That decision you are so scared to make? He’s not stressed out about it.

That person you’re burdened for? God loves them far more than you do, and He is working in their lives.

Make a conscious decision to focus your thoughts on Jesus. Talk to him. Remind yourself of His promises. Sing praises to His Name! Then, and only then, can He give you rest.

3. When you feel overwhelmed, yield to Him.

How do you react when you feel overwhelmed? Personally, I tend to avoid it and worry, or I try to fix the situation. But this response doesn’t come from a heart of faith. It comes from a heart that wants control. 

The right response is to turn to Jesus and yield my plans to His. Instead of trying to handle things alone, I need to pray for wisdom and (possibly) ask advice. I need to move forward humbly, giving up my desire for control and being willing to follow God’s leading.

Ultimately, I am not responsible for the results. I am responsible for my response. God calls me not to make everything go smoothly, but to trust Him and yield to His will. Even in the messy, uncomfortable moments of life. 

Because of the Fall, life isn’t perfect. Roses have thorns. People will disappoint us.

But, as God’s children, we look forward to the day when all that is broken will be made whole. We look for a Saviour who will change our sinful, frail bodies into glorified, pure ones. We’re waiting for a city whose Maker and Builder is God.

Until the trumpet sounds, let us keep looking to Jesus! He’s coming back soon!

Let’s Chat:

How do you tend to react when you feel overwhelmed? What are some verses from God’s Word that encourage you during those times? Please share your thoughts in the comment section!