When Things Become Too Much for Me

The news calls out “Look over here!”

Social media demands “Hey! Something new happened in the last 10 minutes!”

People I WANT to pay attention to call. Text. Email. Speak in the same room. Cross my mind.

My own mind throws up twenty different thoughts from different aspects of life at a time. Housework. Business priorities. Projects started…or that need to be. Recreation ideas. Creative endeavors.

How often I need to remind myself that when the demands get too loud, when the world seems too crazy, I don’t have to be caught up in all of the noise and whirlwind.

I can run into the presence of God.

I can pour out my distractedness, despair, and overwhelm.

I can receive the help of those He sends to offer me nourishment and rest.

I can accept His assessment that the “journey is too great for you.”

I can look out from my sheltered place on the howling windstorms, the crumbling mountains, the raging fires around me…and I can recognize that if I am to hear Him quiet the tumult, looking at those things isn’t helpful. He’s not in them.

I can tip my head to the side, strain my ear, and hear the low whisper of God as He reassures me that I am seen. That I am not alone. That He has a clear, simple task for me if I will but get to the place of stillness to hear His instructions.

The same God who met Elijah in his cave will meet me in mine. [I Kings 19] He’ll let me stay there long enough to restore my strength. Then He’ll direct me forward once more.
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Renewed. Reminded. Assured of His presence. Even when the other stuff is louder.