A Survival Guide for the Overwhelmed
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A David & Goliath Story
It’s a descriptive phrase many of us know and use. When it’s used, we all know exactly what it means. A “David & Goliath” story. Who doesn’t love an underdog victory? I know I do! We look at Goliath as the HUGE obstacle he was, with his full suit of armor and mega war weapons. Then there’s the shepherd boy, David, with just 5 smooth stones in his pocket and a well-used sling. But with God on his side, I wish I could have been there to hear David’s voice across the valley. “I come to you in the name of the Lord.” And with one throw, the enemy was defeated.
Psalm 18
We love the victory story and yes, I too revel in the glory for sure. However, Goliath was only the beginning of David’s battles. David became quite the fighting pro. While he was anointed as king at a young age, David didn’t take the throne for many years. Those years were spent running and fighting; there was nothing pretty about them at all. But upon the full victory over all his enemies, David offered a beautiful gift we still have today- Psalm 18.
I like to call Psalm 18 “A Survival Guide for the Overwhelmed.” One of the survival tips in David’s guide is prayer. He prayed to God in praise, he prayed in distress, and he prayed when he needed help. No matter his state of being, his first action was to call on the Lord.
Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. – One More Step
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:3
An Open Lifeline
If we are in a habit of praying regularly, then when that overwhelmed feeling threatens us, our prayer reflex will kick in automatically. This is why keeping an open lifeline to God is so important. We need it continuously, and our heavenly Father loves to hear from us.
Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me! Psalm 66:20
Would your prayer in this moment be a first response or last resort?
He will not reject your prayer. Ever. But oh, how he longs to hear from you.
Rachel
Resource:
You can find all 6 tips from David’s Survival Guide in chapter 8, Overcoming the Overwhelming, in One More Step: Finding Strength When You Feel Like Giving Up.
Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort…I’ve heard that many times and it rings so true! I am guilty of thinking I can handle things by myself or only going to God for the BIG things. So silly. He is faithful in ALL things and always ready to hear and answer according to HIS will. Thank you for these truths today. ♥
Psalm 18:1-18 Don’t mess with me! God is so good. I see how much he loves me! When I am in trouble, or cry out to him, he storms down to rescue me! 🙂
Most of the time I seem to identify with Job when it comes to the battles and illnesses that he faced but I am slowly trying to be more like David. When things go wrong or I am feeling sorry for myself I go into my bedroom and cry out to God. Then I turn to my Youversion Bible app on my tablet.
After a full day of struggles and darkness yesterday I too was gently reminded by God to continue with prayers and faith. I also believe he is working through you to reach out to some of our struggling souls at the perfect time. Thank you Lord and thank you Rachel. ♡
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. While I know that my life is far easier than so many out there, I still struggle with feeling overwhelmed pretty often. I am a single mom, I work full-time, run two small part-time businesses, and never feel like I have enough time to get everything done. I have really been working recently on prayer. I am trying to get into the habit of naturally going to prayer whenever I am feeling overwhelmed. Thank you for this encouraging post! 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I really needed to hear that. I have a bad habit of using prayer as a last resort. Today i will focus on making it priority number one.
It’s so easy to do. I get it, Girl. Have a great day!
My life is a constant battle of being over whelmed. Military son, dght in a poor relationship, a marriage that seems like it co-exists, failing parents, doors closing. You name it I am probably dealing with it. The best part is knowing I am NOT alone. Jesus is next to me every step of the way.
I have your new book,and am very much enjoying it. Sometimes it feels as if my toes are being stepped on and yet alot of helpful things. Thank you Lord for giving Rachel the gift of writing.
I step on my own toes all the time. Just call me “learning to dance at the ball of life.” 😉 Blessings to you, Frankie!