What to do when you’re overwhelmed…

Right now, I’m overwhelmed.  I am thoroughly exhausted, you know the bone weary kind of exhaustion.  I feel lost and don’t know where to start so I’m going to STOP, PRAY and just go back to what I know.

What do I  know?

I know that God says:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ~Matthew 11: 28-30

I know that I’m carrying more of the load than I should.  So I’m laying my heavy laden bag of burdens at Jesus feet.  Whew, I feel better already. 

Sometimes the load we carry isn’t ours to carry.  I have to look closely at the motive for WHY I’m doing something.  Do I do it because I feel I HAVE to do it or am I being called to do it?  Am I trying to impress someone? Am I trying to prove my worth??  Take a few minutes and look at the burden your carrying.  You just might be surprised to see you shouldn’t even be doing it.

What do I know?

I know I need to stop and take some deep, deep breaths!  Sometimes I forget to breathe.   I know shallow breathing makes me tired. That makes a big difference!

What do I know?

I know, I need to make a list of all the things I need to do that are whirling around my brain.  If I don’t get those things on paper, I have no clue where to start and my mind spins and I do NOTHING! Then the guilt starts and I spiral down a huge hole. Have you been in that hole? It’s not a fun place and just feeds the overwhelmed feeling.  Here is a “to do list” that can help you get started.  No excuses.

Now that it is all written down, I need to prioritize what NEEDS to be done today and what can be put off until tomorrow.  For me, I need wisdom and direction from God to discern this. So, I pray.

  yes, establish the work of our hands. Ps. 90:17

 

When I get done praying I am surprised by how little really HAD to be done today. Writing it down took all the clutter out of my mind and I was able to break it down into manageable pieces.

 

What do I know?

I know that I need to do the hardest thing first.  If it’s really hard I give myself permission to set a timer for 15 min. and then stop when the timer goes off.  Take a break for 15 minutes and then get back at it. I can do anything for 15 minutes and 15 minutes is better than 0 minutes.  One of the things hanging over my head is my home needs a deep clean and a serious de-clutter.  But it feels overwhelming!  I don’t know where to start. So I need a plan.  My plan is to pick a room and clean and de-clutter in that room for 15 min. a day.  Most times I am in a groove and I keep going past the 15 minutes, BUT I don’t HAVE to.  I get way more done when I do it that way.

 

What do I know? 

 

I am confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Ps. 27:13

 

 I need to go!  My timer is set. I can do this! I feel better already.

 

Do you have any thing you do when you get overwhelmed to get you back on track?

Who are you in agreement with?

Danger of Inner Vows