I admit, during this season of stretching I often feel overwhelmed by all that I have to learn in order to accomplish what the Lord asks of me. It seems no sooner do I master one thing than another new assignment comes up that I know nothing about. The other day, I woke up feeling overwhelmed and listened to a meditation on that feeling.
“Pick one positive thing,” the narrater said. “Just one.”
Soon I was thinking of far more than one and I found myself thanking God for providing help and joy in the midst of this year of stretching.
The first line in my journal that day was “Gratitude is the antidote to overwhelm.”
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In the practical sense, what does it look like to give thanks in a state of overwhelm?
If you are overwhelmed by your to do list, consider the fruit of your labor and the joy a job well done brings to others and/or to you.
If you are overwhelmed by learning a new skill, consider those that are helping you on your journey. I have often thanked the Lord for the vast amount of tutorials on the internet.
If you are overwhelmed with discouragement, perhaps you can find joy in an uplifting song. [Just the last few days I have had Julie Andrew’s voice singing in my head. “I Have Confidence” from the Song of Music is almost guaranteed to boost your confidence.]
As the narrator to the meditation said, “Find one positive thing. Focus on that.”
Today is a new day.
God’s mercies never cease.
You are a redeemed and loved child of God.
Say it with me, “Thank You Lord.”