Overcoming Overwhelm: A Journey of Growth and Trust

Trusting God Through Overwhelm: Embracing the Journey

Overwhelm can feel like a heavy weight pressing on your chest, a fog clouding your mind, or the nagging sense that you’re drowning under life’s demands. It’s easy to get stuck in cycles of procrastination, anxiety, and striving—trying harder, doing more, yet feeling further behind.

This morning, I woke up with that familiar feeling. My mind raced with all the things I had to do, the commitments I’d made, and the goals I’d set. My first instinct was to stay in bed and let the dread wash over me. But instead of giving in, I made a different choice: I brought my overwhelm to God.

The Choice to Trust, Not StriveAs I sat with Him, I realized something: I was trying to control the process, to map out the entire journey and scale the whole mountain in one day. But God didn’t ask me to climb the mountain today. He asked me to show up.

Imagine sitting down for coffee with a close friend. You set aside time to listen, share, and be encouraged. That’s what showing up with God is like. It’s not about striving or ticking every item off your to-do list. It’s about being present, hearing His voice, and trusting Him to guide your next step.

Embracing the Day Over the To-Do ListFor me, this shift started with something small—matching my socks. Yes, socks. For years, I rushed through mornings, grabbing whatever socks I could find because I felt I didn’t have time to pause. One day, I decided to take the extra minute to find a matching pair. That small, intentional act became a symbol of change.

It reminded me to slow down, embrace the moment, and trust that God was in the details. Instead of focusing on what had to be done, I began focusing on how I showed up for the day.

This perspective shift—choosing “I get to do this” over “I have to do this”—opened the door to peace. Matching my socks wasn’t about the socks; it was about slowing down enough to trust God’s pace instead of forcing my own.

Practical Steps to Walk in TrustWhen overwhelm hits, it’s tempting to rely on our own strength, but God invites us to trust Him instead. Here are some ways I’ve learned to let go of striving and embrace the journey:

1. Prioritize Your DayNot everything is urgent. Ask God, “What’s the most important thing for today?” Then focus on just that. The rest will fall into place.

2. Set BoundariesSaying no doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re protecting the space needed to hear God’s voice and recharge.

3. Take One Small StepInstead of tackling the whole project, ask, “What’s the next faithful step I can take?” Maybe it’s sending one email or drinking a glass of water.

4. Pause and ListenMake time to sit with God, like a coffee date. Let Him remind you of His love, His plan, and His provision.

5. Celebrate Small WinsWhen you take a small step or make progress, celebrate it! It’s in these moments that we see God’s faithfulness and are reminded that we’re not alone.

God Is in the DetailsThis morning, after matching my socks, I realized how much I’d accomplished simply by showing up. I drank an extra glass of water, sent an email for my study group, and even finalized our family’s living will after 27 years of procrastinating. These weren’t monumental tasks, but they were steps of faith—proof that God is in the small, ordinary moments of obedience.

Clarity Comes When You Show UpJust like sitting with a friend over coffee, showing up with God is where clarity and peace are found. You don’t need to know the entire plan or solve every problem today. Trust that He’s guiding you, step by step, in His perfect timing.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself: What’s one small thing I can do today to align with God’s plan? Then celebrate that step, no matter how small it seems. Trust the process, and remember: You’re doing better than you think.

God isn’t asking for your perfection. He’s asking for your presence. Show up, slow down, and let Him lead the way.

A peaceful beachscape that symbolizes overcoming overwhelm

When you learn to embrace the journey, you can turn overwhelming feelings into opportunities for growth and renewal. You've got this!