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Overwhelm

 

I have been suffering from ‘overwhelm’ for the last few weeks. Just so much happening and feeling tired, no energy and no joy. This week I was going to attempt to simplify my life. We have been studying this in our Bible Study the last few weeks. It is an older group of ladies, and most of them say their life is simple. They don’t seem concerned about the things about which I am concerned. They have time during their days for sitting for an afternoon and reading, something that seems out of reach for me. This week is an example of how life is for me – an appointment on Monday, Bible study and grocery shopping Tuesday, housework Wednesday and an evening church service, Women’s Fellowship and lunch out Thursday followed by an afternoon appointment, car in for wheel alignment Friday meaning an early start to the day. By the time I have fitted in gym and a daily walk, plus whatever needs doing around the house, I am exhausted. I look at my diary and wonder what I can leave out. It all seems necessary to do. I do absolutely make time to spend with God, but life still seems overwhelming at times.

I am hard-wired to be active and although retired, I find it hard to slow down. Having said that, I do less now than even two or three years ago. One of my friends at Bible Study said, “You retired but didn’t stop working. You are retired Lynda, not retreaded!”  We laughed at that but there is truth in her words.

So currently, I am trying to see how I can simplify my life. I still have no idea, but will continue to pray, being sure and certain that the Holy Spirit will reveal this to me.

I had a beautiful picture as I prayed at the church service on Wednesday night. I saw Jesus and I walking on a bed of scarlet autumn leaves. Jesus had his arm around my shoulders, and our heads were close together, as we talked. Then the Spirit whispered, “I’ve gotcha, I’ve gotcha.” Yes, He has me and I need not fear or be overwhelmed. His presence is with me where-ever I go and whatever I do. I love the imagery in Psalm 139:1 – 10

 

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

(NIV)

 

Yes, He’s ‘got me’. I pray that you too, know the surety of this message.

 

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