Livin Lively

By Peggy Lively

            Having four children in four sports and three different schools, I sometimes get very overwhelmed by all the responsibilities of managing their schedules. Recently, I have thought a lot about the analogy and idiom, “Barely keeping my head above water.” I have felt like if I stop moving even for a moment that I would sink under the weight of it all.

            So in desperation, I called to God for help as I moved one more load of laundry from the washer to the dryer. I confessed to Him that I felt like I was behind on everything and that I couldn’t keep up with it all. I really needed His help. I needed His strength to empower me and enable me to accomplish the tasks ahead of me.

             The next morning as I read my Bible, I read, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NRSV) The Message version reads, “When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.” I smiled as I read this verse and thought how sweet God is to speak even to our idioms. He knew exactly how I was feeling and was reminding me that He is with me to sustain me. I was comforted in being reassured that He had heard my prayer, and that I would not be overcome.

             I have found what helps me focus on His strength instead of the tasks at hand is reminding myself over and over of all the “strength” verses in the Bible:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:14, NKJV)

The Lord is my strength and my song. (Psalm 118:14, NIV)

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. (Psalm 28:7, NIV)

 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31, NLT)

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, NLT)

            When I focus on these truths from God’s Word instead of all the things that still need to be done, everything seems to become much more manageable. I am encouraged and strengthened knowing that I am not alone.

            So if you are feeling overwhelmed today, barely keeping your head above water, replace your anxious thoughts with truth from God’s Word. Read these strength verses and keep reminding yourself that you are not alone. He is holding you up in His righteous, victorious hand!