8 Ways to Help- When You’re In Overload Matthew 6:32-34NKJ
What is stress? Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet.
I saw a book titled "Anxiety and Depression For Dummies" ... Not sure it's the brightest idea to label someone looking for mental health, “help I’m a "dummy.”
How do you keep a blonde in stress? A: (I'll tell you tomorrow.)
Before a violin (or any stringed instrument) can produce music, stress must be put on the strings. But pull them too tightly and they’ll snap. (The same is true with you.)
For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.33. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
The Gentiles here, refer to those that refuse to trust God. (Gentiles- pagans; Outside of the body of Christ.)
Matthew 6:32-34TM People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Seek salvation; seek deliverance, and you will walk in the full care and provision of God.
Romans 8:32NKJ He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
The first thing that will help when you’re in overload is, Ask for help.
During Hurricane Katrina eight dolphins were swept out of their aquarium into the sea, but because they stuck together they were recused. (If the enemy can isolate you, he can influence you.)
The second thing that will help when you’re in overload is, Get real with God.
Psalm 55:22TM Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin.
It’s no mere coincidence that many of the Psalms start out with the Psalmist crying out for help, and then end up rejoicing because he vented his pent-up frustrations.
You can’t avoid stress, but you can learn to cope with it!
The third thing that will help when you’re in overload is, Think about someone other than yourself.
Philippians 4:6TM Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
The fourth thing that will help when you’re in overload is, Don’t get bitter.
Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, “Nothing creates more deep-seated anxiety, than the false assumption that life should be free from anxiety.”
Hebrews 12:15NLT Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Here’s the answer! 1 Thessalonians 5:18NKJ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The fifth thing that will help when you’re in overload is, God’s still looking out for you.
Remind yourself when things seem terrible- “God’s bigger!”
The sixth thing that will help when you’re in overload is, Don’t even think about quitting!
Paul was flogged, thrown in jail, shipwrecked and run out of town, but he refused to give in to circumstances.
Therefore, he was able to say in 2 Timothy 4:7NLT I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
The seventh thing that will help when you’re in overload is, If it doesn’t have your name on it, don’t pick it up!
Stress comes from micro-managing others, and assuming responsibilities that aren’t your.
*Establish healthy boundaries!
The eighth and final thing that will help when you’re in overload is, Your breaking point can be the start of a breakthrough.
Ever heard the expression “hitting the wall?”
Runners use it when they’re exhausted and feel like giving up. But seasoned athletes know to push through the pain, and they’ll get their second wind. As they push through they’ll get their second wind and experience a “runners high.”
Remember, God’s grace is sufficient.
Benediction.
