"What To Do When You Feel Overwhelmed"

Read Mark 6:34-51

Life can become overwhelming at times!  Maybe for you, it's seems like it's ALL THE TIME!
- Work, Circumstances, Finances, Health, Marriage, Kids, Loneliness

Background:  John the Baptist just beheaded ; the disciples finished speaking & healing tour.

- Jesus is sensitive to our being overwhelmed.  He knows what being overwhelmed is like!  In the Garden of Gethsemane and through the horrible torture He experienced as he was being led to crucifixion.  The Bible says in Heb.4:15 - "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

While Jesus deeply cares about us and, especially so when we see overwhelmed, remember He's given His Holy Spirit to help us deal with it!  Romans 8:26 - "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

Armed with the Holy Spirit, Jesus will either lead us or allow us to drop into circumstances or situations that can create a sense of being overwhelmed...BUT IT'S FOR A SPECIAL PURPOSE THAT HE DOES THIS!  Through the crucible of challenges, trials, and tough times God uses it as sand paper to mold us into the image of His Son - Jesus Christ.

5 Things You Can Do When Feeling OVERWHELMED:

1)  Find solitude!   (Mark 6:31-32)  Jesus insisted on rest!
     -  Mya - "Go calm your body"
2)  Seek help!  (Jesus & His disciples)
     - Dan - "Thank God I have someone to talk to!"
3)  Expend energy!  (Matt.14:34-36)
     -  Exercise  -  Harvard Medical:  "Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators."
     -  Do something your passionate about!   
4)  Do your best. Trust God for the rest!  Matt.14:15-21
5)  Realize...it's a LESSON LEARNER!
   -  Nothing happens coincidentally in the life of Christian.
   -  Test   1)  Building Faith   2) Reveal Himself more fully in your life