Overcoming Emotional OverwhelmSample

When You’re Emotionally Exhausted but Life Won’t Slow Down

“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15 (NLT)

“I just don't wanna talk right now,” my seventeen-year-old daughter said through tears at the breakfast table. “I’m just so overwhelmed and exhausted.”

My heart broke for her. The demands of high school, swim practice, and her part-time job were clearly piling up, and everything in me wanted to scoop her up and make it all better.

My first instinct was to say something like, “You’ve got this!” or “Hang in there!” But I remembered how much I hate those pat answers when I’m hurting.

So instead, I sat with her in the silence. We made space for the emotion, for the heaviness, for the tears.

Eventually, I gave her a hug and reminded her that feeling tired and overwhelmed didn’t mean she was broken or weak. It meant her inner warning lights were going off—signals from her soul that emotional, physical, or spiritual relief was needed.

I told her, “You’re the only one who can manage your energy levels, and when those warning lights show up, it’s your job to work with God to get the relief.”

And, friend, I want to share that same encouragement with you.

If you’re exhausted—emotionally, spiritually, mentally—you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just a human living in a broken world that never slows down.

Jesus even told us, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33 NIV). So why are we surprised—or even ashamed—when we feel stretched too thin?

Listen, friend: Stop resisting the overwhelm. Instead, start responding to it with wisdom.

Learn to notice your personal emotional overwhelm signs. Stop waiting for life to be less chaotic and make daily, intentional space to come back to calm.

Because here’s the truth: Emotional overwhelm doesn’t just fade away on its own. Left unchecked, it shows up in our physical health, our relationships, our spiritual life, and our peace of mind.

No one else can do this work for us. Not even God will force His peace on us. We have to accept the reality of our overwhelm and take action to get healing.

So let’s start with three simple steps:

1. Let go of the shame of feeling emotionally exhausted.

2. Get curious about what you actually need right now to feel some relief.

3. As much as it’s within your power, take one small step toward calm today.

Reflection Questions:

1. What kind of emotional overwhelm are you feeling today? Name the emotion and what’s triggering it. Why does it make sense that you're feeling this way?

2. Do you have an “emotional relief toolbelt”—strategies or habits you can reach for when emotional fatigue strikes? If not, don’t worry! Each day in this devotional, I’ll share practical ways to help you find peace and process what you’re feeling. We'll build your toolbelt together.

Today’s Emotional Management Tool: Box Breathing

Let’s begin with one of my favorite calming tools: box breathing. Here’s how to do it:

• Breathe in for 4 counts.
• Hold for 4.
• Exhale for 4.
• Hold again for 4.

Repeat this pattern a few times when you feel the pressure rising. It’s a reset button for your nervous system and a gentle on-ramp to peace.