I’ve been doing some computer work for the past few weeks. A new semester has started at Edison with four new challenging classes staring me in the face, as well as the now-familiar failures by their financial aid staff affecting my ability to pay bills. I volunteer with several things at my church. I have friends and family members facing various trials and tribulations. If that isn’t enough to overwhelm one, throw in five kids who call me dad, with their assorted issues and things can get rough.
Some might say, “Gee, Jay, you’re pretty busy. Back off a bit.” What did my friend, a pastor, say? “Jay, what I’m hearing is fear. Fear is not of God.”
Good call.
I was overwhelmed by the world and the problems it brings, letting the thief in to steal, kill and destroy my joy and peace. I was turning my mind toward old refuges rather than the One who made me.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)
This morning I was introduced to Brian Yakaboski, via an email. He is a musician and has performed as part of FFH over the years. He’s also another Pennsylvanian and the writer of a song called, “By The Daylight.” The core of the song is that we should be overcome by the love of God. I’ve listened to this song a few times over the past hour and it really hit home. It was definitely a God-thing, hearing that just when I needed to. Then my friend the pastor called and God used him to settle my heart and put my feet back on the narrow path.
How do you handle being overwhelmed?
The Ramblings of a Ragamuffin 