Overwhelmed? Struggling? Here’s How to Fix It…

With all the wars, rumors of wars, injustice, and the evil we see in this world, it's easy to allow the day-to-day news cycle to pull you into a vortex of depression or even fear and anxiety. That’s why it's more important than ever to make sure you take time to pause and make sure your eyes are fixed on Jesus.

If you slow down, you’ll see signs of God’s love, power, and holiness all around you. Need an example? Here’s what the front door of our house looks like right now:

It may be hard to tell from the picture, but four baby birds are in that nest which was built inside the wreath on the front door of our house. This is a visible reminder of God’s awesome creation. Not only did He create birds (Genesis 1:20-22), but through Him, all things were made (John 1:3).

Take a moment to reflect on His creation and our place in it. The Bible says:

What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. Psalm 8:4-8 (NLT)

God made us in His own image (Genesis 1:27), and He loves us so much that, while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God (John 1:12), and God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

So don’t allow yourself to be weighed down by the worries of this world. Certainly, we’ll face trials, tribulations, and struggles here in this world – but you can find renewed strength when you focus on Jesus.

The birds on our front door understand it, so shouldn’t we? Jesus described the life of freedom they have in Him:

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT)

What do you think? Do these birds look worried?

Spoiler alert – the birds aren't worried! They know God’s in control. He gave them a home (albeit in an unorthodox location) and a momma bird who brings them food. Soon, they'll be grown and fly off on their own, relying on Him through the whole process. If God cares so much for the birds, how much more does He care for you and me?

And it’s not just the birds testifying to God’s glory. Yesterday morning, we looked out the window and saw a magnificent double rainbow. Sorry, I didn't take a picture… instead I just lived in the moment. That too is a reminder of God. It’s a sign of His covenant promise (Genesis 9:8-17). He hasn’t forgotten about us, and He's in control.

So if you're weighed down by the worries of the world right now, unplug from the world and make sure you're connected to the vine (John 15:1-8). This is what Jesus says:

" I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 (NLT)

and

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NLT)

In Him, all things were created – things in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities – all things have been created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). Jesus is already victorious. So if you feel weary, burdened, demoralized, or run down by the evils of this world – come to Jesus. He will keep in perfect peace all those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3).

If you're overwhelmed or struggling, hang in there. Come to Jesus, and He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). There’s nothing He can’t handle.

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