Overwhelmed

Moment of truth:  I'm so overwhelmed I can hardly think straight.  It's a weird kind of feeling, too.  Everything's the same...housecleaning, changing bed linens, house full of kids. No added responsibilities,  and yet, I woke up this morning, feeling overwhelmed with the day's tasks.  I got about six and a half hours of sleep last night, which is normal for me.  I just woke up feeling frantic and emotional.  Then, only out of desperation,  I opened my Bible and read these beautiful words:

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'  For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence...and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler..."  Psalm 91:1-4

So often, I wake up with a really good stretch and feeling pretty decent.  Then something happens and my brain switches into hyper-drive and busyness and yes, sometimes resentment, sets in.  I end up flying out of the room to wake the kids with a frown on my face.  What happens in a nano-second?  After honestly praying through that question and doing some soul-searching, I realized that right after that awesome stretch this morning, I had a choice to make, and I chose self.  I chose to look at my day through selfish lenses instead of God's eyes.  Inevitably, if I don't give my day to Him, I will carry it around like a big ol' sack of problems, instead of looking at each moment as an opportunity to serve others and fellowship with Jesus. The result is a loss of joy. 

"Woe to me when I seek assistance from those in the world, when I rely on methods, and resources, and expertise, but do not look to You the Holy One, or seek help from You, Lord."  Isaiah 31:1(NLT)

"I am cursed when I trust in human strength and turn away from you, Lord...But I am blessed when I trust in You, Lord, and when I place my confidence in You."  Jeremiah 17:5, 7 (NLT)

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."  Psalm 68:19

Oh Jesus, remind me to turn my first thoughts each day to You and to learn to rely on Your strength, not my own.  I'll be a much happier wife, mom and person.  Remind me that Your Gospel is hindered when I go through life with a sour look and an even worse attitude. I only want to be used by You to do whatever You have planned for me each day.

"O Lord, I do not pray for tasks equal to my strength.  I ask for strength equal to my tasks." 
-Phillips Brooks

Until the world sees and is amazed by HIS awesomeness!