Overwhelmed by My Blessings: Encouragement for Moms (Part 8)Sample

Our overwhelming situations and circumstances can sometimes be more than we can handle. We hold on for a while, then one more thing happens, and like a misplaced domino, it all comes toppling down.

What do we do now? Who do we reach for? Who will help? If you are familiar with scripture your mind knows the right answer, but do you really believe it? That your help comes from the Lord?

My natural reaction to the immediate chaos and turmoil was to pick up the phone and call to whine to a friend. Then, when my husband came in the door after work, he got an ear full. (Good thing for him there weren't cell phones in those days!) 

The call to our friend is usually ended with, “Thanks. I just needed to vent.” You’ve unloaded, and now your friend or your husband is left holding your struggle and may not have a solution for you. They certainly may not be able to change your situation.  

The truth is, there is One who is able. Our Helper. He desires us to come to Him. He is the Answer, the Solution, the Way, and the Abundant Life. He is Calm in the storm and Rest for the weary. We can unload on Him. He’s big enough to handle our tirades, and besides, He already knows. Our circumstances are no surprise to Him. Scripture gives us many examples of people crying out to God. David did this in the Psalms. Jeremiah did this in Lamentations (lament is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow; sobbing, weeping, crying out).

Certainly, we need community, friends, a person who cares for us. But our hearts will never fully be at peace until we cry out to our Father, who is Peace, first.  

Wouldn’t a far better end to the conversation with your friend, or your husband, be “And then I cried out to God, and He calmed my heart and settled all my fears.  I just had to share that with you.”

Oh Father. This is me! I ask You to forgive me for running to others before I seek You. I know You are the Answer. Please help my unbelief! I know this won’t be easy, but my heart’s cry is to determine to come to You first before I share my turmoil with another, bringing disruption and discord into their day. I know the opportunity will present itself, even today. May my mind be focused on You, beginning this very moment.