By Tony Martin
Editor
Have you ever felt like life is just too much? Like you’re juggling flaming swords while walking a tightrope — and someone keeps handing you more? If so, you’re not alone.
Being overwhelmed is more than just being busy. It’s that feeling in your chest like the air is too thick, your thoughts are too loud, and your peace has gone missing. It’s being emotionally drained, spiritually dry, and unsure how to fix it.
And here’s the thing: from a Christian perspective, feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing — it just means you’re human. And there is hope.
So What Does “Overwhelmed” Really Mean?
To be overwhelmed is to carry more than you were designed to carry. Sometimes it’s the weight of too many responsibilities. Other times, it’s the emotional toll of grief, disappointment, or fear. Either way, it stretches you past your limits.
It’s what David cried out in Psalm 61:2:
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
He didn’t ask for more strength. He asked for something higher. A perspective shift. A rescue. A reset.
Sound familiar?
Jesus knew what it meant to be pressed on every side. When crowds demanded His time, when grief hit, when the cross loomed — He didn’t power through in silence. He prayed. He withdrew. He leaned into the Father.
We’re invited to do the same.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
That’s not a metaphor. That’s a lifeline.
Why Do We Feel So Overwhelmed?
Let’s name some common reasons:
- Unrealistic expectations (from yourself or others)
- Chronic busyness (a packed calendar with no margin)
- Comparison (measuring your life against someone else’s highlight reel)
- Spiritual disconnection (feeling like you’re running on empty)
- Past hurt or grief (emotional weight you’ve buried but never really released)
Even good things can push us past the edge when we take on too much or try to do it all alone. Overwhelm creeps in when we forget our limits — and forget to rest in God’s unlimited strength.
Okay, But What Can We Do About It?
Great question. Let’s talk about real, grace-filled steps you can take — starting today — to move forward when you feel stuck in the chaos.
1. Admit It Out Loud
Stop pretending you’re fine. Take a deep breath and say it: “I’m overwhelmed.” You don’t have to explain it, justify it, or fix it all at once. Just name it.
This simple act of honesty opens the door for God to move in.
“Pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” – Psalm 62:8
2. Take Inventory
Grab a notebook or open your notes app. What exactly is weighing on you? List it. The work stuff. The family concerns. The emotions. Seeing it in front of you helps take it out of you.
Then ask yourself:
- What is mine to carry?
- What am I trying to control?
- Where am I not trusting God?
Sometimes the overwhelm isn’t just about what’s happening. It’s about how we’re trying to manage it all ourselves.
3. Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations
Maybe the real problem isn’t what’s on your plate — it’s what you think it should look like. Let’s be clear: God isn’t asking for your perfection. He’s asking for your presence. Obedience. Trust.
Perfectionism and people-pleasing will wear you out. Freedom comes when you trade them in for grace.
4. Simplify What You Can
Jesus didn’t do everything. He did what the Father gave Him to do (John 5:19). That’s your model, too.
Start each day by asking:
“Lord, what really matters today?”
Focus on that. Let the rest wait.
Pro tip: Try the “Top 3” rule. Write down your top three priorities for the day, and make peace with letting the rest go.
5. Build In Breathing Room
Even Jesus needed to retreat and recharge. You do, too. Set boundaries around your time, energy, and emotional space. Rest is not laziness — it’s a spiritual discipline.
Try ten minutes of silence each day. No phone. No noise. Just you and God.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Stillness doesn’t solve everything, but it sure changes your perspective.
6. Reach Out
You weren’t designed to do life alone. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m struggling right now — can we talk?” Or, “Can you pray for me?”
You don’t have to unpack your entire story. Just take one step toward connection. Overwhelm thrives in isolation, but healing grows in community.
7. Anchor Yourself in Truth
When your emotions scream, “I can’t do this,” let Scripture whisper something truer:
- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1
- “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
- “He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him.” – Isaiah 26:3
Speak God’s promises out loud. Put them where you’ll see them. Let His truth override your panic.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in This
If you’re in a season where life feels heavy, remember this: God is not disappointed in you. He’s not waiting for you to “get it together.” He’s waiting for you to come closer.
Overwhelm isn’t a sign you’re broken — it’s a sign you’ve been trying to carry something alone.
Let that be your turning point.
Come to Jesus. Lay it all down. Take a breath. Take His hand. Take the next small step.
You don’t need to fix everything today. You just need to remember this:
You are deeply loved. You are held. And you don’t have to carry the weight of the world — because your Savior already has.
