Naomi in the Biblical book of Ruth, told everyone to call her Mara, "bitter", after the death of her husband and two sons. I too have been tempted to label myself when life's storms have raged against me. "Overwhelmed" has been one of the labels I've been tempted to wear. Thank God, that He has been patiently, persistently teaching me to sift past the feelings of my emotions and the tumultuous thoughts of my own mind and to listen to the voice of His Spirit residing in my spirit.
Nothing can touch the stronghold within where He abides, where His Word reigns supreme, where emotions don't rule but Truth does. No trial, no storm, no principality or power, can separate me from the Lover of my soul or shake my King off His throne. The stormy seas may rage all around me, but in my spirit there is peace. My Prince of Peace is in control, and all is well.
still following,
Hello linky neighbor!! LOL! Yes, it does seem that we link up next to each a lot, huh? Must be a God thing!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, this really touched my soul today. I started this year with the sudden death of my dad. And yes, since then, with legal matters and continuing care of my mother, *overwhelmed* has been the word that has defined me. Or perhaps more accurately, it's the way I have defined myself.
For indeed, as you have pointed out, my emotions do not rule the day.
This line - "Nothing can touch the stronghold within where He abides" - was the balm I needed today for some rather ragged emotions. Thank you.
GOD BLESS!
Sharon, I'm so blessed that this post encouraged you. Hope that your weekend is peaceful and blessed!
DeleteOverwhelmed is definitely one that I tend to use as a label for myself. With six children under the age of ten, the last two being twins, I am often overwhelmed. I am so thankful that I can go to God when I need rest. Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Carrie from SRT community
ReplyDeleteI think six children under 10 would cause anyone to feel overwhelmed.! Good thing we serve a God who is Faithful and True! When we are week and needy and overwhelmed He is our strength. So thankful you came by from SRT!
DeleteI love this. It reminds me of a quote by Lysa TerKeurst: "Feelings are indicators, not dictators." So much easier said than done, though.
ReplyDeleteYour final paragraph is beautiful, Elizabeth! Just reading it brought me a sense of peace. He is faithful.
Your #srt sister, Heather
I love that quote you mentioned in your comment! You are right, some days it's easier than others to not listen to the loud voice of our own emotions. But practice makes perfect, right? :)
DeleteAs I got ready to look at your blog just now, I said a little prayer, "Lord, please minister to my spirit right now". Once again, you & your words shared here have spoken to me at the "right" time in the "right" way. I love how He works in our lives! Thank you Elizabeth for being His faithful servant & sharing words of encouragement on your blog. What a blessing you continue to be for so many!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing that God knew you needed this and at the right time as well. He loves you so much, Krista, and keeps wanting to remind you and show you.
DeleteThank you for your words of encouragement! I definitely need them right now. How blessed am I that He loves me that much & that you are willing to share His words with me!
DeleteIt's been such a treat for me to read your blog. I don't always understand some of the things God allows, but I trust Him. He knows better than I, and He is in control. (thankfully!) I've felt like giving up a few times but God has always been here for me, and I will always pray for His will to be done, even when I don't understand it. Thanks for the inspiring blogs!
ReplyDeleteRobyn, I so appreciate your kind comment. I pray for God to continue to encourage you and strengthen you and give you victory!
ReplyDeleteOverwhelmed is a label I could and have worn over the last year. Thank you so much for sharing that our peace and rest are in allowing Him to reign in our lives.
ReplyDeleteYou are a great example of a person choosing to be victorious and not a victim!
Delete"Overwhelmed" is the word I use often to describe my feelings. It wears me out sometimes feeling this way. "Peace" is the word I really want to use. Thanks for the encouraging post. I appreciate your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteDebbi
You are a blessing, Debbi. I pray for God's peace to rule in your mind and heart, friend.
DeleteAmen.............
ReplyDeleteThank you for being an encouragement to me, Nellie.
DeleteLove this: "The stormy seas may rage all around me, but in my spirit there is peace. My Prince of Peace is in control, and all is well."
ReplyDeleteNina
Thank you so much for coming by and taking time to comment.
DeleteThanks for your encouragement! Your post reminds me of 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
ReplyDeleteI love that! Thanks for coming by and for your kind comment.
DeleteSo grateful for all you share. It is true - we do label ourselves as "overwhelmed" & in so doing, we forget He cannot be overwhelmed by circumstances. Perhaps a new label - Overcomer! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI love that...not overwhelmed but overcomer! Amen, friend.
DeleteOverwhelmed and going under--and all we have to do is look up and grab His hand.
ReplyDeleteYou are a blessing, Sandra!
DeleteWhen I was writing my "Annie Project" book and wasn't sure what her mom's name would be, GOD gave it to me immediately as "Mara". I would never have thought of that, yet, with her lifestyle and her anger and her frustration, b/4 the Lord broke into her life, her name is perfect in the book. Her personality fit in very strikingly re: the name. You just me grin, Elizabeth. And, I love the photo and words and Words, too, of course.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an encouragement to me, Joanne!
DeleteThanks, Elizabeth. I needed this today.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad my post encouraged you, today!
DeleteI always appreciate the declaration tucked into your signature, "Still following". It makes my heart smile.
ReplyDeleteBless your coming week, Elizabeth. You are a gift.
You too, Pat!
DeleteI've been wearing the label of "overwhelmed" too often. I am realizing more and more my need of Him, and how I must replace my negative thought processes with His truth. Have a beautiful week!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reminder that God promises that we will not be overwhelmed by the floods of life (Psalm 69), as long as we cling to him!
ReplyDelete"Overwhelmed" pretty much could describe me at times, but you know , today, I told God that was how I was feeling and He was so kind to do all these little things to show me that I don't have to live in that space. Thank you for helping me make that connection today.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reminder! We do not have to be defined by our circumstances, but rather define our lives by who God made us to be.
ReplyDelete