Anyone feeling overwhelmed?
I know I have sometimes. I just commenced a course of study (whilst working full-time), and it seems as if all the moving parts at work and in my personal life decided to do the hundred-meter dash in record speed simultaneously. Crises sprang out of nowhere and due dates passed (crazy for my type A leaning). And! We're still in a pandemic with all that comes with it!!!
What do you do?
Sigh…so what to do when the overwhelm creeps up?
Cry? Laugh? Pray? Talk to a counselor?
Definitely all of the above and something else - SING!
When the emotions crash in like gigantic waves - lift up your eyes, daughter of God - to the hills from whence your help comes and sing!
Shout for joy to the God of your salvation, beloved son - know that your deliverance is nigh!
Surely, we will see with our eyes the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
Awake, my soul, and sing!!! I will awaken the dawn and sing and make music to my God (Psalm chapters 57 and 108). ‘Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope thou in God for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God!’ (Psalm chapter 42 verse 5)
What if I don’t feel like singing…
When my soul feels most turbulent, singing seems to be the hardest thing. Rejoicing in the Lord during those times feels as if I’m faking it, and I can barely get a croaky note out. But, then I remember that when my heart condemns me, God is greater than my heart and all its flaky feelings.
In the quiet of my room at 2:00 a.m., I whisper into the darkness, “Jesus, I love You.” And, again, to whatever melody I can grab - “Jesus, You’re beautiful”. In the middle of the night, my whispered, tiny phrases catch the wind of the Holy Spirit and turn into songs of hope, triumph and glory.
In the midst of my weakest and most uncertain of moments, the Lord comes and gives glimpses of revelation to my weary heart. He whispers songs back to me… “I know you love Me;” “I’m so proud of you;” “Let me show you My heart;” “It’s going to be worth it.” In the light of His face and gentle gaze, perspective breaks through like the sun on a rainy day.
In the sincerity of worship, His excellence and beauty are unveiled, His worth magnified and His kindness brought to fore. The trial or test I’m undergoing, pales in comparison to Him, and the knowledge that He - both hears and sees - me.
And then the joy…
Inexplicable joy creeps up and fills my chest. Jesus sees me and is moved by the sound of my voice!!! He delights in showing mercy. Tender and compassionate is He; not breaking bruised reeds or snuffing out smoldering wicks.
The God who causes me to tread upon mine heights makes my feet like the feet of deer! With my God I can scale a wall. With my God I can bend a bow of bronze (Psalm Chapter 18, verse 29). It is His energy that works powerfully through me (Colossians chapter 1, verse 29), and it is His power that is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians chapter 12, verse 9).
So, when the anxiety mounts, and the whelming threatens - open your mouth & sing out loud! You don’t have to sing well- just sing so you can hear it. Sing praises to the Lord & encourage yourself in Him.
Watch the mood shift, the day get brighter, the load feel lighter, as you lift your gaze to the unseen God, who does not change and who reigns above the chaos. Heaven is never in a panic. He's still in control.
Go to sleep in peace tonight, beloved one, knowing that your God makes you to dwell in safety (Psalm chapter 4, verse 8).
It will be okay.
This too will pass.
The clouds will clear as you sing.
Francesca is a daughter, friend, avid reader, attorney-at-law, and porridge connoisseur. She enjoys Jesus and fulfilling His purposes for her life on Earth.
Previous articles: https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/francesca-tavares.html
