Why do we as humans find ourselves feeling overwhelmed at times? When did we first learn about feeling this way and how to handle the issue? Can you answer that question for yourself? When you were overwhelmed, what was the message given to you by your parents, your spouse, friend or others of significance in your life on how to resolve these feelings?

Most likely, someone tried to give you comfort by consoling you. They may have wanted to make you feel that everything was going to be okay and that you need not worry. Perhaps they even offered you something to take your mind off of your problems such as an alcoholic beverage or other medication to help you sleep and numb your pain. The end result was an attempt to help you take your mind off of whatever was bothering you as quickly as possible. The relief, however, if at all, was probably only temporary. After a while, the realization that your problems still existed was evident by a return to worrying and searching for a viable solution.

What was your course of action then? Did you try to focus on something more positive or did you take the position that you needed to “dwell” on your problems allowing them to affect your ability to concentrate on other issues in your life? Did that resolve anything? The answer was most likely no.

We typically look for quick answers to every aspect of our lives. Usually, we have “full plates” without much time to slow down and think. Between work, school, our families, and our everyday responsibilities we don’t have much time to dedicate to resolving our issues. Our goal is usually to “fix” the problem as fast as possible so that we can move on to the next conflict.

But does that really work? If we attempt to resolve an issue quickly and without much thought, will we just move by it rapidly only to have it once again brought to our attention? You might be asking then what should I do? If I don’t have the time how can I maneuver my way through my issues in the quickest way possible without having to repeat them in the future?

Well, I’m here to offer you a solution. A solution, however, that isn’t a quick fix but one that will offer you a life-long resolution for just a small amount of your time. I can feel your resistance as you read that sentence. You’re thinking, but I don’t have the time. Maybe so, but a little time spent now will reduce or even eliminate the time you will need to spend over and over again to resolve the same or similar life issue in the future.

What is the plan of attack you might ask? Well, it is really very simple. Spend time with God. God has all the answers. He’s not a “quick fix” but He’s “the real fix”. You see, He already knows all of the answers to all of your problems. He’s also promised to help you through any trials that may come your way and take care of you through the process (Luke 12:22-34). He won’t let you down.

However, God never promised to rescue you from what He is trying to teach you for His purpose. Even Jesus had to spend forty days and forty nights with Satan without being rescued by God (Matthew 4:1-2). God was trying to teach Jesus (and us) that in times of feeling overwhelmed we will find our answers by focusing on God and not on ourselves, our problems, or our pain. God’s philosophy and His Word should be at the forefront of our way of thinking in times of trouble.

Don’t look for a fast resolution to take away your feelings of discomfort. Take a deep breath and focus all of your attention on God. Then ask God what He is trying to teach you with the understanding that while He is teaching you, He will also be loving you and taking care of you. Don’t worry! You are in God’s capable hands!

Susan Calloway Knowles is a Licensed Christian Marriage & Family Therapist and former practicing Family Law Attorney. She is also a Christian music Songwriter. Susan’s songs can be found at www.worshipsong.com. Her website is www.susanknowles.com.

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