According to the Mental Health Foundation in the UK, 74% of people have felt so stressed in the past year, they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope. Perhaps you are one of them.
It is certainly a more stressful world we are living in today. The political divisions, financial crises, health scares, relational ruins, moral chaos, and spiritual warfare surrounding our lives has increased exponentially. It seems to be coming at us in waves. All of us are feeling it.
As a spiritual leader, how can I face these feelings of being overwhelmed?
There are five important things to remember when I am feeling overwhelmed:
Remember God is in control (1 Chronicles 29:11-13).
When feeling overwhelmed, it is important to remember that God is always fully in control of all things. He is the sovereign LORD of the universe, and He can be trusted (Proverbs 3:5-6). When everything seems out of control, do not forget the ONE who is fully in control.
Remember God loves you deeply (Romans 8:31-39).
When feeling overwhelmed, it is important to remember that God loves you deeply. Elevated levels of stress can weigh heavily upon us and cause us to doubt God’s love. Yet, the Scriptures declare that His love is steadfast (Lamentations 3:22). God’s love for you never changes, never waivers, never fails, never gives up, and never stops (Jeremiah 31:3).
Remember God is present with you.
When feeling overwhelmed, it is important to remember that God is present with you. He said He would never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6). The language in these verses is emphatic. God says He will never ever leave you and He will never ever forsake you. God may not feel close to you right at this moment, but He is as close as your very breath.
Remember God is at work.
When feeling overwhelmed, it is easy to forget that God is still at work (Philippians 1:6; 2:13). I once read a quote from John Piper. “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life and you may be aware of three of them.”
Do not make the mistake of thinking that because you cannot see God at work, He is not doing anything. Nothing could be further from the truth. He is at work behind the scenes, doing things you cannot see, working in ways you cannot comprehend, and He does it all for our good and His glory.
Remember God is good.
When feeling overwhelmed, you might forget that God is good. He has promised to use everything that is overwhelming you FOR YOUR GOOD (Romans 8:28). Yes, God will bring ultimate good from all that you are experiencing, all that you are facing, all that you are going through right now.
Pastor, you are not alone. We are here to help. Allow us to help you navigate the unique and challenging waters of pastoral ministry. Reach out to us.
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