Help For The Overwhelmed

*We have all been at a point in our life where there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Life is just too tough, and it just seems to be getting worse. Everything you have worked for is gone; there is no way out. It may also be from hearing bad news, being covered up with the work, overrun with the cares of this world, etc. There are times when we just can’t take one more thing. We have all been there. What do we do when we have reached the absolute bottom? Look up.

*First, I know that this is not new doctrine for most of you, but keep in mind what 2 Peter 1:12-13 says: “(12) Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. (13) I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory,”

*Many people just claim Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” ) and assume everything will be alright. Is this for everyone? Have you ever noticed the “through Christ” part of that scripture? What does it mean that “I can do all things through Christ”? Here are a few things you must do to make sure you are doing it “through Christ.” After all, without Christ, we have no hope of doing all things.

I. First, repent and get right with God. According to this psalm, only the righteous will be helped in time of need.

A. Psalms 34:15-22 Be righteous; peace and help from above will follow.

B. When asking for forgiveness, you may be hit with guilt for you past sins. The devil may tell you “that is so bad that it can’t be forgiven.” If you are overwhelmed or troubled by sins, they are in your past now. You are forgiven and God has forgotten them. Isaiah 65:61 “…the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.”

II. Funnel your needs “through Christ” to God. Pray and ask God for help; don’t just assume He will make things better without you asking first. Matt 7:7 “…knock and it shall be opened unto you.”

A. Turn to God with your problems. Psalms 142:1-7 When David was overwhelmed and hiding in a cave, he knew to whom to turn.

B. “… cast all your cares on Him, for he cares for you.” Cast implies that it has no value and is being thrown away carelessly. This is what God thinks of your problems. They are not even worthy of a careful toss.

C. God has big shoulders and can handle the load no matter what it is.

III. Remember that God is on our side; that is all that matters!

A. Psalms 143:1-12 David once again pours out his heart in his time of need, and toward the end we get the one big theme – God is on our side.

B. If God decides that we are going to pull through, we will. The devil can’t do anything to change that. Jer 49:19 “…For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?"

C. Psalms 57:1-11 David provides a blueprint for those in times of woe.

1. In the first verse David admits that he doesn’t deserve help, but he trusts God, and is going to Him for his help. These are really the three big steps!

2. Verse 5 then shows David praising God. This is the final step, because it assumes that God will/has taken care of everything, and you are grateful for it. Even thought times are still bad, he praises Him as though God has already “fixed the problem. This is a lesson, too. We should not praise only when things are good, as if we are mad at God when things don’t go well. God is in control, and has a plan. Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose."

D. Job 5:19 “He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.”

*When you are overwhelmed with cares and trials, keep in mind that you can do all things through Christ, but only if do it through Christ. This implies that you are right with God, asking God for help, and have faith that it will happen. God is good, and will see us through.

Psalms 23

(1) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters (3) He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. (5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over. (6) Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.