Journey to 300~Day 4: 5 Encouraging Reminders for the Overwhelmed from Psalms 3

Over the past several months, I have heard so many stories of people who are overwhelmed. The constant barrage of challenging and difficult circumstances this world is throwing at people is hard to process. It seems that everyone is on edge.

The weight of navigating personal challenges is causing people to question their purpose, occupation, worth, and future. It seems that everything that can be in upheaval is.

This is one of the reasons I love the Psalms! They give us a glimpse into the heart of the Psalmist and their constant reminder of hope being found in God.

Have you ever felt like the Psalmist David when he says:

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

Psalm 3:1-2 (ESV)

When we are overwhelmed with life and the challenging things we face, it is easy to fall into a trap. The trap of convincing ourselves that we are outnumbered. We have more enemies than we have friends!

The enemy of our souls would love to convince us that we have no hope. One of the ways he does this is to make us feel alone in our battles.

Yet time and again the Psalmist reminds us that we are not alone. We have a foundation in our relationship with God that sustains us during difficult times. Our relationship with him grants us access to the help that we need to navigate this life! What are those?

1. God is a shield in times of trouble

The Psalmist reminds us that God is a shield when we are in the midst of the battle!

The enemy is doing all he can to defeat us in the heat of the battle. Alone, we cannot face the attacks of the enemy and we have no chance of winning. However, the Psalmist says:

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

Lift up your head! God is working on your behalf today. While the world is always going to be in turmoil. But we can take great comfort in God who will shield us from the attacks of the enemy!

2. God hears and answers us when we cry out to him

Sometimes when we are overwhelmed, it is easy for us to be consumed with our own thoughts. We tend to make things bigger than they need to be.

The Psalmist shares his experience of crying out to God in the midst of the trial. When he did, God answered his prayer from a place of holiness and authority.

I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

Psalm 3:4 (ESV)

Call out to God. He is available to not only hear your cry, but to answer in your time of need. All power and authority are found in him alone. Without him, we can do nothing!

3. God sustains us when we feel weak

Being constantly bombarded and dealing with those challenges takes emotional, spiritual and physical strength. Without a source to replenish we can become depleted quickly. Yet the Psalmist said:

I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

Psalm 3:5 (ESV)

Resting in him, knowing that all things are in his hands provides us the opportunity to gain strength. Waking refreshed to face the challenges of life with his help!

4. God fights our battles and gives us victory

It is comforting to know that we don’t have to face the battles of life by ourselves. He not only fights on our behalf, but has already won on our behalf!

I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked

Psalm 3:6-7 (ESV)

Remember that when the enemy attacks and the world seems overwhelming, God is actively working behind the scenes. He will provide a victory in you life for your good and in turn you will give him the glory!

5. God provides salvation and blesses his people

The greatest gift we have ever been given is salvation through Jesus Christ. When we make the commitment to serve the Lord, we are placing our lives in His hands. In turn, we receive not only the blessing of a new life in him, but his goodness poured out on us.

Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah

Psalm 3:8 (ESV)

Trust that if God has promised to give you a new life in him, that he has also promised that he will put his hand of favor on your life. He loves to do good to his children and will abundantly show his love to us!

Conclusion

The past two years have been overwhelming for all of us. There are so many things that are happening that make life uncertain. Yet the foundation we have is not found in this world, it is established in our Heavenly Father.

Put your faith in him and see what he will do!

Blessings,

Chad