Overwhelmed

Overwhelm -   to surge over and submerge; engulf

When I think of the word "overwhelm" I always imagine myself treading water, barely keeping my head above it, and then a wave crashing over me, and suddenly, I am in danger. I am in danger of drowning, and I feel the panic and despair very near. That is how I often picture my life, treading water, legs moving constantly in an effort to stay afloat, yet not gaining any ground, barely keeping my head above the weight of the water.  You can do a whole lot of work beneath the surface, and some of us are better than others at letting the effort show. Just look at synchronized swimmers. They look so beautiful, smiles on their faces, arms outstretched, moving as one. But, under the surface their feet and legs are stretched taught, working to not only keep their upper bodies out of the water but to also move in the same directions, at the same time.  Amazing.

I feel overwhelmed these days, in danger of drowning. At the same time, I know that my worries are infinitesimal, compared to what others suffer. I was thinking about it all, and I looked in the Bible for some verses I could meditate on. Here are some I like best:

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 New Living Translation

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So do not worry about tomorrow;

for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34 New American Standard Bible

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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

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Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him."

Daniel 2:20-22

And others:

“Your own pain is involuntary; you feel overwhelmed and have no control. When feeling the pain of others, there is an element of discomfort, but there also is a level of stability because you are voluntarily accepting pain. It gives you a sense of confidence.”

Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama

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“If I could tell the world just one thing it would be we're all okay, and not to worry cause worry is wasteful and useless in times like these. I won't be made useless, wont be idle with despair, I will gather myself around my faith, lights the darkness most fear.”

Jewel

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“God will not suffer man to have a knowledge of things to come; for if he had prescience of his prosperity, he would be careless; and if understanding of his adversity, he would be despairing and senseless”

Saint Augustine

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“Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

Abraham Lincoln

I feel better already.

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