Overcoming What’s Overwhelming

When hurt is overwhelming.

When a woman I’ll call Louise approached me, I could tell she was troubled.  I mean, really under it. She whispered, “I have had several painful things happen in my life and I am very mad at God.”

My heart broke for her because I could relate. Can’t you? Haven’t we all experienced disappointment, betrayal, abandonment. We’ve all been left out, let go, led on or downright lied to?

I didn’t need to know all the details of Louise’s life to feel her pain. I’ve heard stories from so many other women to know the specifics don’t matter as much as being heard and finding the next right step to take your life back.

1. God can handle your anger. 

If you are angry, remember God can handle your anger. If you need to stomp and storm at the heavens, he understands that. The pain and hurt is real. It’s no lack of faith to be upset with your life or circumstances. 

King David demonstrates this throughout the Psalms.

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” -Psalm 22:1-3

2. Own your part.

Take responsibility for any part of the mess that is yours. Is there anything you need to do, any apologies you need to make, or any restitution to repay?  Do that.

For each one will bear his own load. – Galatians 6:5

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. – 2 Corinthians 5:10

3. Forgive.

So very hard, but forgive anyone and everyone who hurt you and caused you this pain and suffering – including yourself. The longer you hold onto the offense, the deeper the bitterness takes root and the longer it will last.

Remember that forgiving someone who hurt you does mean you are okay with what happened. Forgiveness is not the same as condoning rotten behavior. Forgiveness means inviting God to restore you and letting Him handle any revenge.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13

4. Receive restoration.

Ask God to reveal Himself to you and demonstrate his love to you. Know that God does love you and is with you and wants so much more for you than you have right now. Watch for Him to return your hope and joy. 

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. – Jeremiah 33:3

Today, Louise is doing much better. She belongs to a community of believers who provide the prayer support and wise advice she needed to break free of the anger. She has her life back.

5. Be thankful. 

Nothing resets your attitude and outlook like thankfulness. Acknowledge any blessing that came from a cruddy situation. Recognize the protection God did provide and be thankful the situation is in the past or that it wasn’t worse than it was. Appreciate the ways your life is working now.

Do you need to get your life back?

I’m so sorry this is your situation.  It’s such a hard place to be. I don’t need to know the specifics to pray for you. If you type “I want my life back” in the comments, I will lift you to the Father by name. 

Verse of the day: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

Prayer: Lord, sometimes life is so hard, it’s overwhelming. I want to be full of hope and joy, not bitterness and fear. Lord, overwhelm me with your love and your thoughts toward me. In Jesus Name I pray. amen.