Where to Turn When Life Feels Like Too Much
Finding Strength in God’s Promises
Let’s get real for a moment. I want this to challenge you, maybe even convict you—not to make you feel guilty, but to lead you into a deeper understanding of where you can find strength and hope. But stick with me, because by the end, I’ll show you where relief is waiting. God has already made a way for you to handle the weight of life’s struggles.
We all face seasons that feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a strained relationship, financial pressure, or unexpected tragedy, the burdens of life often seem heavier than we can bear. That’s because they are. But the good news is this: you don’t have to carry them alone.
1. Acknowledge That Life Is Hard
Verse: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Life is filled with challenges, and denying it doesn’t make the problems go away. Jesus was clear with His followers—troubles will come. But He didn’t leave us hopeless. His victory over the world’s troubles is our source of courage. As Oswald Chambers once said, “God does not give us an overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome.” what this means is that God doesn’t promise a life without struggles, but He equips us with the strength and resilience to overcome them. Life is full of challenges, and God doesn’t remove them, but rather, He helps us grow through them. Just as the Israelites faced trials in the wilderness before reaching the promised land, our struggles allow us to experience God’s power, grace, and faithfulness more deeply. Overcoming difficulties strengthens our faith, builds our character, and transforms us, showing that God’s presence isn’t in the absence of hardships, but in how He helps us rise above them.
Think about Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22–33). As long as he focused on Jesus, he stayed above the waves. But when he looked at the storm, he started to sink. The storms of life are real, but Jesus’ power over them is greater.
2. Pray Daily and Lean on God
Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Prayer is your lifeline. It’s not about finding the perfect words or even knowing what to say. It’s about opening your heart to God and trusting Him with your burdens. Like David in the Psalms, pour out your struggles to Him.
One of my favorite stories of prayer is in 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming army. Instead of panicking, he prayed, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” God responded by fighting the battle for him. Prayer shifts our perspective and invites God’s power into our struggles.
3. Remember God’s Promises in the Bible
Verse: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
When life feels uncertain, God’s Word is your anchor. His promises are unchanging, no matter what storms come your way. Start with passages like Psalm 23, Isaiah 41:10, or Philippians 4:13. Let them remind you that God is with you and will never leave you.
I love how Martin Luther King Jr. captured the power of Scripture in his quote, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” He beautifully portrays the Bible as more than just a book—it’s a living, breathing guide that actively pursues us and speaks into our lives. It’s not a distant text but a personal, transformative force that meets us exactly where we are. The Bible doesn’t just sit on a shelf; it runs after us in our struggles, offers guidance in our confusion, and lays hold of our hearts, molding us into who God calls us to be.
Think of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. God told him, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). That promise is for you, too.
4. Surround Yourself with Believers
Verse: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
We weren’t meant to go through life alone. Joining a church community connects you with people who can encourage you, pray with you, and help you grow in your faith.
Think about the early church in Acts 2:42–47. They met together, prayed together, and shared everything they had. Their unity wasn’t just about surviving—it was about thriving in faith and love.
"The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are." – C.S. Lewis
This quote highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who can help us grow in wisdom and faith. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Just like the early church in Acts 2:42-47, we’re called to live in community, helping one another grow stronger in our faith. When life feels overwhelming, having fellow believers to encourage, pray with, and challenge us makes all the difference. If you’re not already connected to a church, take the first step—attend a service, join a Bible study, or volunteer. You’ll find strength and encouragement in a community that sharpens you.
5. Serve Others to Find Perspective
Verse: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
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Serving Others Benefits You Too
When we serve others, we don’t just meet their needs; we’re also reminded of God’s blessings in our own lives. Focusing on someone else’s pain or need can put our struggles into perspective. It's easy to get caught up in our own challenges, but helping others shift our focus and remind us of what we have. -
Shifting Focus from Ourselves
Rick Warren said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” When we step outside our own world and start caring for others, we often discover new joy and strength we didn’t realize we had. It’s not about losing who we are but finding a deeper version of ourselves through selfless acts of love. -
Jesus Set the Example
Jesus didn’t just teach about serving others—He lived it. From washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) to healing the sick and feeding the hungry, He demonstrated that serving others is central to our faith. By following His example, we align ourselves with His heart and bring His light to others in need. -
The Joy in Serving
Serving others is often more fulfilling than we expect. It may not always be easy, but when we pour into someone else’s life, God gives us joy and peace in return. The Bible reminds us in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” There’s a unique joy that comes from putting others before ourselves. -
A Reminder of Christ's Love
Serving is not just about doing good deeds—it’s an opportunity to reflect Christ's love in tangible ways. When we help others carry their burdens, we are living out God’s law of love (Galatians 6:2). It’s a practical way to show others the same grace and compassion that Christ has shown to us.
By serving, we shift our focus from our personal struggles to the needs of others, growing in faith, joy, and peace. When life feels overwhelming, remember that sometimes the best way to find relief is to lose yourself in helping someone else.
The Answer: Rest in God’s Strength
Here’s the relief I promised. You don’t have to do this alone. God sees your struggles, and He’s waiting to step in. Rest in His strength and trust in His promises. He’s already overcome the world, and His power is working in your life.
Your Challenge
This week, take one step closer to God. Spend ten minutes in prayer each day. Read Psalm 23 and let it sink into your heart. Call a friend from church and share your burdens. Or look for a way to serve someone in need.
And if you want a reminder of God’s faithfulness, check out our merch! From shirts to hoodies, we’ve got designs that reflect your faith and encourage others. Got an idea for something unique? Reach out! Our design team would love to bring it to life.
You don’t have to carry life’s burdens alone. God’s got you, and so do we.