nancymanos - Joyfully, Nancy

Earlier this week, a friend shared with me how she was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the myriad things and people she is responsible for right now. She asked me if I had any advice or encouragement because she knows I have found myself in a similar state over the years.

I prayed for her and I sent her a note of encouragement. As I re-read the words I had written to this sweet friend, I was reminded that as we water others, we are refreshed ourselves. (Proverbs 11:25) The words I felt compelled to share with her came back and encouraged me as I wrote and re-read them.

Here is a portion of what I shared with her. I pray that it refreshes you and calms your anxious heart and mind if you yourself are feeling overwhelmed right now.

What I've noticed about myself is that when I focus on all that needs to be done and allow those thoughts of frenzy and feeling overwhelmed to creep in, my emotions are like dry kindling that quickly grows to a raging fire of anxiety and stress and chaos, which can be immobilizing. But when I choose peace and I choose to do what's in front of me at the moment, asking God for His direction and His peace, and when I purposefully quiet my mind and thoughts that want to spin out of control, things are much more calm.

That doesn't mean that the work is getting done any faster or the responsibilities lessen, but at least during this season where it seems there is more work than is humanly possible to get done, I can have a calm, peaceful heart and mind, and I truly do have joy every day.

Instead of focusing on the needs and demands that seek to drown me, I focus on how the effort I'm making right now is helping and blessing someone else and serving the Lord. When the focus is on the recipient of the effort I'm putting in and on the Lord rather than myself and the effort involved, I find I am able to keep a more peaceful attitude and not feel so overwhelmed.

That last sentence really stuck out to me. When I focus my attention on WHO my efforts will benefit instead of the overwhelming WHAT that must be done, it is remarkable how my emotions come into line and I create a much more peaceful atmosphere within myself and in my home.

Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful. - Colossians 3:15 The Living Bible

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV

What about you? How do you deal with feeling overwhelmed? What works to restore peace to your heart and mind?