Two Basic Actions to Take When You’re Overwhelmed
Have you ever met someone who absolutely loves going to funerals? Well, now you have! Iām guilty as charged. There is just something about looking back over a personās life, scanning the breadth and depth of it, and discovering itās highs and lows that is simply soā¦ real. When I witness the celebration of someoneās existence after theyāve passed away, I always feel a new sense of purpose, of right priorities and of the desire to live the one chance Iāve been given on this earth to the glory of God!
Well, last week I had the privilege of attending the funeral of a 93 year old lady. So much was said about her that even though I didnāt know her very well, I grasped a good idea of what she was like. Some expressed wonderful memories of a meaningful legacy that she had left behind. Others shared that she had wounded them along the way, and that she wasnāt always the most patient and gracious of ladies.
As I wandered around among the attendees after the official ceremony had come to an end, I mingled with a group of her relatives whom I knew well. I expressed my sincere condolences, and asked how they were doing with the passing of their family member? The conversation naturally flowed to her last weeks and days, and how there was a real emotional healing that took place because she had softened so much as she neared her death.
One of the sweet ladies shared something which I thought was profound. She said that in her last days, all the elderly sister could do to survive was to breathe and focus on Jesus.
Breathe.
Focus on Jesus.
Breathe.
Focus on Jesus.Ā
I thought of my own life, and our lives as wives, mothers, homemakers, or whichever stage in which we find ourselves. Our days can get so busy, so hectic, super stressful. Our trials can seem so difficult, insurmountable, and all-consuming.
Sometimes, all you and I would do well to do, to get through our days is to…
Breatheā¦And Focus on Jesusā¦ Click To TweetHe is the One that sustains our lives. The One who allows all things for our good and His glory. The One who is our hope in times of helplessness, our light through tunnels of darkness, and the joy of our hearts in the midst of despair. He is our Lord and Saviour.
Today, may you inhale and exhale Him! Click To TweetMay you focus on the eternal One with whom you will indeed spend the next trillion years, and then some (if you know Him and have been forgiven by Him).
May your mind, heart, and soul dwell on the God who holds you together (Colossians 1:17).
Because really, if at your funeral people are describing your last days as ābreathing and focusing on Jesusā you can rest assured that youāve finished well.
What do you need to start implementing in your life today that will ensure you ‘finish well?’
We are so guilty of trying to make things harder than they need to be! I love that you broke it down to two simple steps! Thanks for sharing at Faith Filled Parenting!
Lovely to see you here, Holly! It really is simpler than we think at times… God bless you today and always xoxo
Such a good reminder! I’ll take this one to heart, I know. š
Thanks for sharing your encouragement at #FridayFrivolity!
Tehila, I appreciate the simplicity and profound wisdom in these two steps. Breathe and focus on Jesus. Thanks so much!
Wonderful post. So needed as many times we truly are balancing more plates than we are able. Grateful to have read these words today!
Hi,
I think it’s beautiful you love to go to funerals. You must be a huge source of support to those who are grieving.
Thank you for bringing your post to Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Janice, Your Pit Stop Crew
These are wonderful tips to focus on!
They’re just simple but so necessary, aren’t they, Keri? Thank you and have a lovely day! š
Wow, Tehila, what an amazing experience you’ve shared! Breathe and focus on Jesus – words I SO much needed to hear!
Won’t you share your beautiful article with us at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy?
Have a blessed week. Visiting from Literacy Musing Mondays. š
Hi and thank you so much for your invitation! I’ll see Monday š So glad these humble words blessed you… xoxo
Such an important reminder to focus on Him and breathe. I had a death in our church this week. I am praying for the widow. Her husband died too soon of cancer after we had thought he beat it. He was called the “ice man” because he made sure we had ice for all our socials.
I’m so sorry to hear this, my sweet friend š Today is the anniversary of my mother and sister being killed in a car accident, so I understand grief well. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, I think we all need this advice from time to time… Blessings to you as you minister to this dear widow xoxo
Oh, how I love this!! Thanks! Here from Fri. Frivolity.
So glad it was a blessing to you, Melinda! Have a wonderful week ahead xoxo
I love that- Breathe and Focus on Jesus. Amazing to think that Jesus lived totally free of worry and concern. Such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
You’re right, Brooke! More of a challenge for us as we sometimes lose sight of the eternal perspective we are to have… With much blessing to you! xoxo
Thanks for advising overwhelmed people what to do.
Janice, Your Pit Stop Crew
You’re most welcome, Janice. So lovely that you stopped by! xoxo
Funerals are to celebrate the lives of those who have lived their life. I so get where you are coming from. But when someone is taken too soon, it is hard to understand and celebrate the person and their life…if you know what I mean. Blessed to be your neighbor at Tell His Story today.
Oh, Tara, I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I can personally relate. You can read my story here: https://www.womenabiding.com/my-story-and-tools-to-help-you-overcome-grief/ Much blessing to you, precious sister! xoxo
Focusing on Jesus gives us the hope that everything will work itself out. The faith that we have Him can help us get through the most overwhelming circumstances, can’t it? Great reminder.
That is *so* true, Ana! Couldn’t have said it better myself. So lovely to have you here at Women Abiding! xoxo
What a simple yet profound reminder God knew I needed today! Our family is going through a rather hectic time with wedding preparations and there’s all these things that need to be accomplished. I often get tangled up in the tasks. My life is one constant busy roll of tasks that doesn’t ever seem to end.
This is exactly what I needed today. Thank you so much for posting!
~Haley
I’ve been practicing more contemplative types of prayer and breathing deeply in silence and it definitely helps me to center and feel the Lord’s presence.
Yes, so true. When life is out of control I tend to lean on my husband, a friend, or my work to pass the moments but what I really need to do is just breathe and reach out to God. The moment I remember that is the moment I start to see peace in the midst of the chaos. He settles my soul and even though I may not have all the answers, at that moment I am in his arms and all is well. I just need to remember that the next time and stop wasting time trying to just get by, when I could be in his arms, and at peace. Thanks for the reminder. š
This is beautiful. When I feel overwhelmed, I stop and remember who my Savior is and that He is directing my steps. I just need to let go and follow. I tend to like to be in control. I would love for you to linkup at Faith Filled Parenting. Our party goes live on Mondays.
It sounds so simple, so why is it that I have a hard time breathing and focusing on Jesus? The truth is life and daily pressures crowd out the simple things too often. This past week I just had to pause and take a moment to re-centre myself in Christ. I think every now and again we all need to go back to the basics because after all, I certainly would love to finish well. Thanks, Tehila!
#TGISaturdays
This is something I’ve been doing a lot more since I got sick with MS and then lost my eye sight. I have always thought I relied entirely on faith, but I really didn’t know what that meant until I had no other choice. Thanks for your post – from another funeral lover – I love the celebrate the lives I loved.
I have recently started a new linky called #TreasuredMoments and it would be great to have you link up http://mscalling.blogspot.com
Breathing and focusing on Jesus are always going to be winning actions! Thanks for joining us at #FridayFrivolity and I hope you join us again this week!
thank you for this reminder. I need it most days.
So good! The key for me is to keep my mouth closed — no faithless chatter! Your tips are perfect for steering me in that direction1
Beautifully written, and so timely. I never would have thought about enjoying funerals, but now I see just what you mean! Appreciate this encouragement today.
So simple yet so profound! Breathe and focus on Jesus!! Brilliant!
Sure is, Sylvia! Being in His Word would be included in the Focus on Jesus part… I just thought to mention that š Blessings to you and your precious family xoxo
Tehila, this is lovely…Breathe and Focus on Jesus. Sometimes I think we overcomplicate things trying to figure things out and mull over why things happen when really we should just Breath and Focus on Jesus. He directs our path and calms our soul. Thanks for sharing this at Grace & Truth today!
I love you beautiful perspective, Alisa! Our peace, joy, and eternal hope truly is only in Him! God bless you today and always xoxo
WOW! Breathe and focus on Jesus. Exactly what I needed to hear today. Thanks. Visiting from Missional Women linkup #
So thankful to the Lord that He can comfort and encourage beautiful people like you through a tool such as the internet! God bless you, Kristina! xoxo
Thank you for this, Tehila! As someone who dwells semi-permanently in The Land of Overwhelmed (my own fault…I’m a freak that way), I needed to read this. Breath. Focus on Jesus. Yes, yes, yes. Will try to remember the next time I’m overwhelmed. Oh, yeah…that’s right now. š Stopping by from Friday Frivolity!
You made me smile, Elizabeth! I think that there are far more people who live the way you do than care to admit it, so thank you for your honesty! May the Lord truly cause you daily to focus on Him through His Word! God bless you, beautiful lady! xoox