Help for Feeling Overwhelmed

"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path" (Psalm 142:3)

As I survey this week and the weeks to come, I am tempted to feel completely overwhelmed. I needn't go into great details, but trying to finish out the year with homeschooling, having company here, planning for the summer, overseeing projects in the home, having just the normal, everyday responsibilities of life, can just make one feel "hemmed in on every side".

I found comfort the other day in something someone else wrote:

Nehemiah must have felt just like this as he stood surveying the huge task ahead of him. Looking at the rubble of Jerusalem's walls that stretched on for miles, I'm sure he must have wondered where and how to start. (Nehemiah 1-2) Fortunately, Nehemiah had prepared his work with prayer, and God answered by helping him begin. Moving King Artaxerxes to offer his support, Nehemiah left his cupbearer job in Shushan and returned to Jerusalem to rally the people. In addition, God also encouraged the hearts of the Jews who were living there to help repair each gate and rebuild every stone that had been torn down. In just fifty-two short days, Nehemiah and the people repaired the walls that had abeen lying in waste for seventy years.

As a homeschooling parent, you may be facing too many "assignments" in your life. Cleaning, cooking, ministry, and homeschooling leave little time for spare moments. Every task seems important, so where do you begin? If you're feeling overwhelmed and procrastinating under the weight of your responsibilities, learn the lesson that God taught Nehemiah. Pray for strength and wisdom, pick your task, and just start working. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish when the Lord is in it.

"Lord, your word says in Ephesians 1:19-20 that the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to those who believe. Father, I claim Your promise and ask that You empower me today to accomplish every task You have given."