“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. … John 15:1-7
Often I desire to be able to focus on one thing at a time. Everyday I feel like I am being pulled in a million different directions. Mental exhaustion at the end of the day is pretty typical for me, everything on my to do list seems too important to cross off.
I find myself playing catch up in almost every area of my life including laundry, money, housekeeping, bible study, and grocery shopping. Finding the best way to divide my time seems almost impossible.
Often I will go to God with my overwhelm, begging Him to please help. Help lessen the financial burden by helping us get caught up or help me to be able to manage it all. I want it to be OK to not have a clean organized home, or to eat fast food everyday. But none of this is good for my family so I work to change it.
I work to try and do everything on my to do list only to have stuff left on it and I end up playing catch up the next day. Or I try to work more in order to meet our needs and I avoid sleep so I can finally try to get caught up.
But no matter what I do the disorganization and the overwhelm that is in my mind and life never seem to be resolved…until I put my complete focus on God.
When I focus on His promises, or I focus on His provision, I’m not overwhelmed anymore. Or when I focus on the individuals and the relationships that’s when I’m not overwhelmed by the big numbers that equal success.
When I focus on God I take life one moment at a time. Of course my flesh wants to be the center of attention, but my focus needs to be on God and not on me.
I desire to be able to focus on one thing at a time and when I focus on God I am truly able to go throughout my day without being overwhelmed.
And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this beautiful day. Everyday I wake up to a list of things to do and it is truly overwhelming at times. Often I have no idea where to start because they all are important. I am so thankful to be able to turn to You and put my focus on You. When I do You are always there to guide me. Lord please continue to guide. Show me where to pour my heart into. Guide me in when I should say no, and motivate me when I say yes. Thank You for always being there even when my heart is resistant and selfish. I pray this in Jesus’ name. – Amen!
Copyright © 2012 Heather Bixler, All Rights Reserved
I am overwhelmed everyday too. I love the prayer! Putting my focus on Him always brings things into perspective. I know I will accomplish everything he has for me each day.
[...] I wake up in the mornings with thoughts swirling around in my mind of all the things I need to do for the day. It is certainly overwhelming. [...]
Your “overwhelmed” devotional spoke volumes to this mother of four! I am mentally & physically exhausted on a daily basis. I very frequently get asked, “I don’t know how you do what you do. How do you manage four little ones & the rigors of daily life, without going completely crazy?!?”
My reply is short & simple, “The Lord”.
Each day I have great intentions to get more organized, be more punctual, have things run more “smoothly” around our house, etc…..but somewhere in the daily chaos, my good intentions don’t come to pass. I have half-completed projects that will be beneficial (if I can ever get around to completing them!) (;
I have printed out an array of “organizing” worksheets– cleaning schedules, chore charts, menu planners, recipes, to-do lists, calendars, etc……..now if I can just get them organized in their respective binders!!!! (;
It is only in my quiet time with God that I am refreshed & reminded that when I get overwhelmed with the chaos in life, I just need to look to the Lord for guidance & direction. After reflecting on His Word & His truth, I can take on the day! Because by GOD’S Word, I am reminded~
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer & supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts & minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe & not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown & tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” (James 1: 5-7)