Overwhelmed? Cling to This Truth

Do you remember a time when you were so overwhelmed that you felt completely adrift? Everything was overwhelming—the noise, the environment, the things going on around you. Maybe you were meeting someone at a busy event and couldn’t find them, so questions and worry set in. “Are they even here?” “Should I just leave?” Cell service was spotty leaving you feeling adrift, and you felt there was nothing you could do.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve often felt that way during this season of uncertainty. The things I’m rightfully concerned about can so quickly transition to fear, and I forget to be anchored in Christ. I forget who I belong to. God promises he will never leave nor forsake me (Deut. 31:8). He promises to be with me.

He is with me when I am so exhausted from caring for my toddler that all I can do is cry. He is with me when I am tempted to fear after reading too much news. He is with me when I fall into worry about the health of my loved ones or when I receive news of someone close to me being deeply affected by the current environment.

Years ago, when my husband and I were walking through the most painful and uncertain time of our lives, my aunt sent me a Scripture that anchored my heart and soul and continues to do so even now:

“‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior’” (Isa. 43:1-3).

Imagine again that you’re in the midst of that overwhelming environment, feeling completely adrift with questions and worries flooding in. Then suddenly you hear it—someone calling your name. The sound cuts through the noise of the crowd and shatters the fear that had overwhelmed you. You turn to see the friendly face coming towards you, and you know all will be well. I can’t think of a better feeling.

Friend, that’s what God does for us. He knows your name, and he is calling you. His voice can cut through the chaos around you. He is reminding you that he is there, that his promises are still true, and that he is with you. Yes, there are many things to be concerned about, many things that can cause you to feel overwhelmed and fearful, but in the midst of all the noise, God is calling your name. Turn to him, friend. He will not let you go.