It seems typically this word…overwhelmed…has a negative connotation associated with it.  When life is too much to bear and we get to the point where the next straw will break the camels back we say in exasperation…I am so overwhelmed!  As in…I can’t take it anymore!  Stresses and worries…doubts and fears attack seemingly all at once and we feel as though our world is crashing down.   I say this because I know…I’ve been there.  I’ve said that exact phrase.  But now…I am overwhelmed in a positive way.  In a way that brings joy in suffering.  And that…in human terms…makes no sense at all.

I am humbled and thankful to tears for the precious souls that have poured God’s love into our lives these past few weeks.  The friends and neighbors who call just to see how I am doing today and if they can take our children to practice or drop off a meal.  Our family that work tirelessly cleaning…and I mean deep cleaning…like spring cleaning…the things we do once in a blue moon because that’s what this season of life brings.  My husband who has not once complained about taking on the roles of mom and dad letting me sleep in each morning while praying constantly.  Our children who are sacrificing by not having their mommy to help them with the things they need while they pray over and over again…Jesus, please heal my mommy.  Our parents who do anything and everything to help without us even asking.  The vast army of prayer warriors storming the gates of heaven on my behalf.  Oh, my heart…it just bursts with gratitude.  I’m overwhelmed.

Great is Thy faithfulness…O God my Father…all I have needed Thy hand hath provideth…Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Some may look at me and think…how could you be thankful at a time like this?  Why?  Because God is SO good!  He is pouring like a river glorious new mercies every morning.  I don’t even have to ask…immeasurably more than I could even ask or imagine!  He is answering friends!  And I deserve none of it.

My very life is a gift of God’s amazing grace.  He has blessed me so richly.  It’s overwhelming…the good…no…not just good…the glorious kind.  I stand in awe at the wonders of His love.  Contrary to the negative, more common anxious overwhelmed…I never want to loose this.  I want to see Him in everything.  I want to tangibly feel His presence so powerfully.  I want to not just feel…but know His peace that passes understanding this certainly..  To rest in Him alone.  I want the foundation of my faith to always be this solid.  Maybe that’s what this is all for?  If so….it is worth every millisecond.

In the past when sorrows like sea billows would roll and painful trials would hit I would tend to curl up in a ball and isolate.  I would want to say it is well.  But it was hard…sometimes impossible for me to even pray.  God still showed up…though I rarely responded the way I should have.  I would feel as though I didn’t deserve His love (which I don’t) but act as though my pain was a punishment from Him for my failings.  I would turn to anything but Him for relief.  There was always something I believed would make me feel better.  And He would faithfully, graciously break through with His Truth that HE is all I need.  Sometimes it took longer than others and at the beginning of this…that was my temptation.  I began to give into that…but He was relentless to not let my heart wander away from His presence and give into the thoughts that something or someone else could be the answer.  There is no other answer.

Jesus.  Only Jesus.

I would not have chosen this painful trial.  But I find myself thankful for it.  I do not fear the unknown, for I know He is orchestrating this perfectly and He loves me…reckless, unending, scandalous love.  Love that I may never truly understand…certainly not this side of heaven.  What a love.  What a cost He paid for me so I could begin to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that I amy be filled to the measure of the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:18-19)

One word, friends.  Overwhelmed. 🙂

Are you overwhelmed by something…or many somethings…in the typical anxious, fearful way?  The Lord wants to take that burden and carry it for you.  Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30…Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  He is waiting.  So what are you waiting for?  Go to Him!  He will welcome you with open arms of love and comfort.  Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you…more than you could ever know.  Take that step toward the glorious kind of overwhelmed, friend!  

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.  Zephaniah 3:17