What to do When You Feel Overwhelmed | Only the Next Step

*What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?*

*How do you handle situations that have the potential to bring you down?*

*Which tasks and activities cause you to feel overwhelmed?*

*Where do you turn for comfort?*

*What scriptures can you turn to when you’re feeling overwhelmed? (plus free printable prayer cards below)*

In today’s Loving Christ devotional, we’ll take a look at what causes us to feel overwhelmed and specific actions we can take to overcome stressful situations.

Feeling Overwhelmed Narrative

Lost in thought, I feel overwhelmed with the uncertainty of where I’m supposed to go next. Not physically. Not a place. Instead, in what direction do I head spiritually?

I feel God calling me, but I’m not sure what He’s saying. Where do I go? What’s the big picture? What am I supposed to accomplish?

I lay quietly and imagine myself sitting, legs dangling over the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, waves lapping on the shore far below me. Nothing scary. It’s just my quiet place.

I imagine Jesus approaching from my left, sitting down beside me, and I’m filled with His love just by His very presence.

“I don’t know what to do,” I tell Him. “I can’t see what I’m supposed to do. There’s too much.”

I hear His answer. At least in my imagination. “Julie,” He tells me. “Don’t look at the big picture. When it gets too big, too many distractions get in the way. You lose focus. You become overwhelmed.

Only look at what’s next. Listen to me in order to hear the next step. Follow my direction just to accomplish the next thing. Only. And then pray for what comes after that. You don’t know my plan for you.

Trust me that it’s perfect just for you.

Believe me when I say I know what I’m doing, and I know what’s best for you. Pray for only the very next detail that needs to be done and for the peace and joy that comes from following me.”

I nod. Only the next detail. I can do that.  All of the many day-to- day busy things aren’t enough to keep me away from one task. Trust Him. Believe Him. I can do those things, too. Step by step. One thing at a time until eventually I can look back and see what His plan was for me all along.

I can do that.

What causes you to feel overwhelmed?

Whether daily tasks, illness, financial difficulty or something else, think about what causes you to feel overwhelmed.

If your day to day life seems overwhelming, take a look at your schedules and what you say yes to. We try so hard not to upset anyone, we often take on more than what we can handle. Make a plan, clear some of your schedule, and spend more time in the Word.

Being overwhelmed with finances affects other aspects of our lives. If you feel unsure financially and worried about bills, debt, retirement, or something else, now is the time to get on top of things before they get out of hand.

My husband and I attended Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University through a local church in 2007 and while it took us a while to totally get on board, it truly changed our financial lives for the better.

No matter where you are financially, FPU is a strong, faith-based program to help. Check with local churches to see if they have plans to offer the course soon.

No matter what causes you to feel overwhelmed, spending time in the Word will instill peace within you. In the section below, discover the scriptures I turn to and download a free set of printable scripture prayer cards.

Think about what needs to be done but focus only on the very next step you need to take towards your goal.

One step at a time… you can do that.

What scriptures can you turn to when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

Psalm 61:2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (NIV)

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (NIV)

Psalm 119:92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. (NIV)

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV)

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)

Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV)

John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. (NIV)

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)

Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)

Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (NIV)

Grab your free scripture prayer cards with these scriptures. The link will open the file immediately for you to save, download, and/or print —>>> Free Scripture Prayer Cards for When You Feel Overwhelmed.

Where to Find Comfort

Hopefully, you downloaded the prayer cards above because finding comfort in the Word is the first place you should go.

Simply spending quiet time with God provides indescribable peace.

If you don’t belong to a women’s ministry group, please consider it as well. Whether in person or online, a group of sisters in Christ provide consistent comfort throughout every moment of your life.

And of course, finding a close friend or a dear family member you trust will provide a safe space for you to find comfort when you feel overwhelmed.

If you liked this post, try these others about connecting with God:

• In Peace I Trust
• How do you hear God’s Subtle Voice?
• 7 Tips for Your Intentional Relationship with Christ

What is overwhelming you right now? Determine what it is and then name only the NEXT step on which you need to focus.

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