What are we supposed to do when life gets overwhelming? It’s easy. Just go to God! Simple as that. At least, that’s what people say about it. Pray it away and then let it go. What does the Bible say about it though?

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

In this scripture, Paul is not telling us to be void of feeling nervous or anxious. When he says anxious, he means anxious or nervous to the point of freezing up. Being so overwhelmed that you are unable to make any movements in your current state of being. We all get scared, nervous, or overwhelmed. 

Jesus felt overwhelmed with sorrow in Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42 and Luke 22:39-46. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed in this life. We will feel anxious and nervous. We will be unsure in this lifetime. If you are feeling this then I just want you to know, that is okay! 

Paul is telling us that when we feel this way we need to be in contact with God. Giving it to Him is the key! “Prayer and petition” means that we are to pray often and with earnesty. God expects us to not only go to Him but to know that we are in the best hands possible. 

I know that being thankful during times of hardship is not easy and may not sound plausible. The reason he tells us to be thankful is because God has blessed us to see another day. God has blessed us with what we have as of right now. There are times where we may feel like we do not have enough or as if life is too much for us to bear. There is nothing that God cannot get us through and nothing that we cannot handle with Him.

“The peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Take a second and marinate on those words! Now doesn’t that thought bring a sort of calm to your mind? When I personally think about that it puts my mind at ease. The knowledge that even when I do not know where to go or what is going on in my life, my God knows it all! He will guard your heart and your mind. Give your problems to HIM!

Paul not only gives us solutions (prayer to and being thankful for God) but he also gives us medicine! Paul gives us things to think about when we become too worried, anxious and overwhelmed. Verse 8 gives the reader an entire list of things that we can hold on to in this life. Things that pure and lovely will definitely keep you going and allow you to be more steadfast and dedicated to God and positivity.

Let me leave you with these final thoughts. God put you on this planet for a reason. Life will hit you and hit you hard at that. There will be times where you have no idea what to do or where to go. Where life gets so overwhelming that all you see is darkness. Let me tell you this, you are never alone in this life! God is with you and so are you brothers and sisters. We at ParablePreacher are here as well. Pray to God. Be thankful for what you have and where you are now. Think of the things listed in verse eight. It will not be easy. However, when you get down just remember that God’s peace and understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. You can do it, I know you can!

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