Overwhelmed? Weary?

Are you feeling overwhelmed and weary? Us too! We get so tired and weary sometimes because of our own life issues, and also because of the marriage issues we see through this ministry. It can all become too overwhelming at times. We love rejoicing with those who are participating with God and are improving their marriages. But we cry and pray for those who write comments on the Marriage Missions web site concerning their marriage relationships, which are suffering. Today is one of those days. We feel overwhelmed.

It’s at times like this that it’s important to get into God’s Word to straighten out our thinking. We don’t always do that right away; but we know it is important. And the same is true for almost everyone. Sometimes everything can look so bleak; and it may be. Life can be difficult on this side of Heaven. That is a fact. God promises us no less.

But we serve a God of hope and of love. Let us not forget that. We can get off the path in thinking that what we see in front of us is how it will always be. But that’s just not true. Life is continually changing. It may not go in a direction we want, but God has a way of redeeming even the worst of circumstances when we look to Him in faith.

The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Thanks Lord! We needed that! We needed to be reminded of that promise. Over and over we’ve seen that to be true.

Overwhelmed? Give It to the Lord

Just this past week some friends of ours, battled through a type of mini war in their marriage. They were both scrapping with each other over something that SEEMED important to each of them. And then it looked like they were at an impasse. But then they both realized that they hadn’t taken the problem to the Lord to pray TOGETHER over the matter.

So that’s what they did. And then they resolved to keep praying until God led them to a place of peace. He did.

What’s “funny” (although not really) is that the “problem” didn’t change. It was still there facing them. But their attitudes concerning the problem DID change. God gave them new eyes to see what was happening. And they gained a new attitude to work together to resolve their differences. So that’s what they did. They prayed, talked, and worked through their situation. They are now facing a new week with renewed strength and peace in their relationship.

Steve and I have had this happen to us, as well (quite a few times). When we are conflicting with each other, when we join hands and pray, it’s AMAZING how much better and faster we are able to get to a peaceful place within and with each other.

It goes along with the wise words, “When we strive to seek the Light, rather than strive to be right, a lot of our marital problems will resolve themselves.”

Feeling Overwhelmed Doesn’t Have to Stay That Way

But sometimes, you feel overwhelmed because of other issues. You and your spouse may be okay with each other but you feel distressed for other reasons. That’s when it’s especially important to lean back and lean into the Lord.

Turning to Romans 12:12 can be an “appropriate response to being overwhelmed. ‘Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.‘ The apostle Paul reminds us that we can rejoice in the hope that God walks with us through all our experiences. He is with us. We can be patient and know that eventually He will make all things right. We can pray, not just prayers for change, but prayers of lament where we pour out our tears to God and know that He catches every one as precious.” (Weslie Onsando, from the article, “Helping Your Spouse When They’re Overwhelmed”)

And He does. Even if you don’t see it or sense it, it’s true. Just lean upon that fact.

Whatever you are facing in your life and in your marriage, if you have a spouse who will join you in prayer, please don’t miss the opportunity to join hearts and pray that God will help you TOGETHER work through the matter. It may not resolve itself in a day or a week or a month or more, but at least you will be united in working together with God, rather than on your own.

Even if your spouse won’t join you in prayer, then join God in uniting your heart with Him to help you be an over-comer. No problem is so big that you and God can’t handle it together.

YOU SAY — GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES

You say: “It’s impossible.”
God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)

You say: “I’m too tired.”
God says: I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: “Nobody really loves me.”
God says: I love you. (John 3:16 and John 3:34 )

You say: “I can’t go on”
God says: My grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9 and Psalm 91:15)

You say: “I can’t figure things out.”
God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: “I can’t do it.”
God says: You can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)

You say: “I’m not able.”
God says: I am able. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: “It’s not worth it.”
God says: It will be worth it. (Romans 8:28 )

You say: “I can’t forgive myself.”
God says: I Forgive you. (1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1)

You say: “I can’t manage.”
God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)

You say: “I’m afraid.”
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated.”
God says: Cast all your cares on ME. (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: “I’m not smart enough.”
God says: I give you wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: “I feel all alone.”
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

(With thanks to Anita Jainath)

And thanks, Lord! We needed those reminders.

As you meditate upon all of this:

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to whom be the glory for ever and ever.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

May you sense His mercy, love, and care. And though you have felt overwhelmed up to this point by all that is around you, may you enter into His peace—a peace, “that will pass all understanding!”

Cindy and Steve Wright

— ADDITIONALLY —

To help you further, we give a lot of personal stories, humor, and more practical tips in our book, 7 ESSENTIALS to Grow Your Marriage. We hope you will pick up a copy for yourself. (It’s available both electronically and in print form.) Plus, it can make a great gift for someone else. It gives you the opportunity to help them grow their marriage. And who doesn’t need that? Just click on the linked title or the picture below:

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