Total Reliance on God-What to Do When Feeling Overwhelmed
by Regina Frost, MD

Have you felt overwhelmed lately? Too much to do and too little time? Are you having trouble concentrating or even remembering things because you are so busy with life? I am sure you can answer yes to one or more of these questions because most people that I encounter these days, especially physicians, are overwhelmed. You may be overwhelmed with the office, EMR, family, church responsibilities or a combination of them all.

So what does God say in the midst of all the chaos in our lives? We can always go back to the Word of God for encouragement and as a reminder of what God says we should do when we are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

First, we should, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7, NIV 2011). "All" means just that. Sometimes we give God some of our anxieties but not "all." He wants us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened, and He will give us rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28). We try to find rest in other things like eating, sleeping, exercising or shopping, and while these things can be helpful, the only true rest we can have is when we rest in God.

Next, we need not let fear set in for God says, "For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you" (Isaiah 41:13, NIV 2011). When you don't see a way out, or you don't see any forward progress with the situation you are facing, remember that God will cause rivers to flow on barren heights and springs within valleys. He will turn deserts into pools of water. In other words, God can bring forth life into that situation that seems lifeless or hopeless (Isaiah 41:17-20). He does this so people will know He was the one who brought you out and He will get the glory. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble, and He is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).

When you are faced with more than you can handle and your strength is running thin, remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). Be encouraged and know that if you don't give up, you will reap a harvest. So don't become weary in doing good. At the proper time, your harvest will come (Galatians 6:9-10). When you are on your last leg and feel like you can't go any further, recall what God promised in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "…'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'..." (NIV 2011). Paul said in response to this, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9b, NIV 2011). When you are weak, look for God to infuse you with His supernatural strength.

If you are burdened with financial obligations and you don't see how you are going to make ends meet, God says He will meet all your needs and He is faithful to keep His word (Philippians 4:19). Just be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

God loves you and He knew you would be in the position you are in right at this very moment. So continue to trust in God's Word and His character. He will never leave you or forsake you, and He truly has your best interest at hand. Meditate on the Word and His promises and be encouraged.