Feeling Overwhelmed in WidowhoodSample

Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience that can affect anyone at any time. It is characterized by a sense of being inundated with too many responsibilities, tasks, or emotions, and can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and exhaustion. When we feel overwhelmed, it can be challenging to know where to start or how to move forward.

After losing our spouse, we may feel like we can’t make the decisions needed to forge our way ahead. Sometimes even the simplest tasks can feel like too much. This can often lead to further feelings of anger or failure for not being “strong enough” to handle things on our own. But it’s important to know you are not alone in your feelings. We all experience the feeling of being overwhelmed.

In Isaiah 40:31, we read, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This verse provides a powerful reminder for those who feel overwhelmed. If we put our hope in the Lord, we can find renewed strength and energy to face our challenge

This verse compares the hope of those who trust in God to the soaring wings of eagles. Did you know, eagles are the only birds that fly in storms? When all other birds try to hide from the storm, an eagle will actually fly into it and use the wind of the storm to rise high above it. This allows them to get to altitudes they would never have been able to reach on a normal sunny day.

Just as eagles can fly high above the chaos and turmoil of the world below, we who place our hope in the Lord can rise above our seemingly overwhelming circumstances. We can allow God to use those storms to lift us higher and to help us discover a renewed sense of peace and direction.

The second part of this scripture tells us, with God’s help, we can run and not grow weary. Sometimes the season of widowhood feels like it will go on forever, or like the challenges and grief will never end. The truth is that widowhood is not a quick sprint; it is a paced marathon. But no matter how far it seems to stretch out in front of us, God promises that we can go the course without growing weary or fainting from exhaustion. We are not in this race alone. When we put our trust in God, we can find renewed strength and energy to face our challenges with resilience and courage.

QUESTIONS:

What areas tend to overwhelm you the most in this season? What part of this scripture (Isaiah 40:31) or teaching stands out to you the most? Why?