Help! It’s Taking Over

-

A few years ago, Rusty and I spent some time trimming the many overhanging branches and shrubs from the fence-line on my mom's property. I recently noticed how all of the branches we had cut back were once again reaching across the fence and encroaching on the property as if we had never touched them. I dreaded tackling the task again but knew if we didn't tend to it soon, the job would be more than we could handle. It would be overwhelming. 

Have you ever felt like your life was becoming the same way? You may have job related pressures, lengthy illnesses, or family stress that creep in on you like over-reaching branches needing to be pruned, but feel like you no longer have the strength or energy to handle them. The psalmist David knew where to seek help when he became overwhelmed.   

In Psalm 61, David knew that he had no strength on his own, but remembered how God had been his refuge and strength in times past. He began the psalm by asking Him to hear his prayer, then spoke of his overwhelmed heart and asked for protection and a long life. He ends by saying that he would praise God forever. 

My prayer this week is that I remember to first seek the Lord when I begin to feel stressed, always remember to praise Him no matter the circumstances, and keep in mind that the only thing I should become overwhelmed by is the presence of the Lord.

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! 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, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name. Add many years to the life of the king! May his years span the generations! May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him. Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day. - Psalm 61

Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave


Click here to receive an email when new blog content is posted.


  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Walking Through the Fire

-
Image
  Thursday was Rusty’s birthday. We had just returned from MD Anderson the day before and were waiting on final recommendations. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread to his lungs, but it was confirmed to be in his foot again. I received a call from his oncologist that the surgeon recommends a below the knee amputation. It’s not the news anyone wants to hear, especially on their birthday. But considering the alternative, we were still very thankful that it was only in his foot.  We don’t know when or where the surgery will take place yet. Only that amputation is the recommended course of action. For anyone, this would be a life-changing event. For Rusty, it will be a major adaptation. For 13 years, he has worked a schedule of 13 days on and 1 day off pretty consistently.  I woke up yesterday morning with the song Fires  on my mind. I immediately looked it up and then I teared up as I paid attention to the lyrics.  There have been two different times in our almos...
Read more

Thank God

-
Image
  Early last week, Rusty had an oncologist visit to review a recent Chest CT. These are done periodically to check his lungs since that’s the first place sarcoma likes to go. Everything still looked good. It seems the amputation has done its job at removing the cancer before it had time to spread.  On Friday, he finally had the surgeon’s visit he’s been waiting on for months. He was released to start the prosthetic process. It’s been a long road to get him where he is right now. It will still be a while before his new leg is complete, he’s able to walk on his own, and then eventually go back to work, but we’re finally headed in the right direction.  Thank you to everyone that has visited, called, texted, given us money, and most of all…prayed. We thank you all and we Thank God. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I THANK GOD - HOUSEFIRES Click here to receive an e...
Read more

Here We Go Again

-
Image
  If at first you don’t succeed… Rusty’s wound hasn’t healed like they want.  He’s having another procedure later today to debride and reclose. He’s doing good over all and getting around well. Prayers for a successful surgery are appreciated. 
Read more