Overwhelmed? Do you ever feel that way? I definitely experienced that feeling the last few months with the holidays, some added job responsibilities, and some things going on with my mom to the extent that Postcripts has not been happening on my end.

That said, the things mentioned above haven’t been all that’s keeping me from this blog. I’ve been overwhelmed (in a good way) with the spirit of our discussions throughout this Bible study, overwhelmed with the subtlety of sin, overwhelmed with the effect of sin to the point where I feel inadequate to convey what these six months – yes six MONTHS! – in this Bible study has meant to our group.

We’re in different seasons of life. We come from different backgrounds. We go to different churches. We have different convictions. We have different preferences. We don’t always agree, but….

We’ve come a long way. We’re learning. We’re asking questions. We’re finding answers. Sometimes we have more questions than answers. We’re growing. We’re DOING what the “Who We Are” description of this blog says we’re about:

• Telling our stories
• Sharing our wisdom
• Listening to one another
• Praying together
• Sharpening, challenging, inspiring one another

I would highly encourage studying for yourself “Respectable Sins – Confronting the Sins We Tolerate” by Jerry Bridges. It’s convicting and eye-opening but I’m glad we did it. As we wrap up this study, I would like to share some encouraging scripture when you feel overwhelmed whether it’s due to the struggle with sin, discouragement, worry, anxiety…. any burden of this life.

First, to borrow from Pastor Dan’s message in Nehemiah 4 last Sunday, Nehemiah prayed as if everything depended on God (Neh. 4:4,5) but he pressed on as if everything depended on him. (Neh. 4:6). Nehemiah learned the enemy doesn’t just go away (Neh.4:7); in fact the enemy attacks when 1) we’re tired and need rest, 2) our focus is blurred and all we see is the mess, 3) we just can’t do it on our own.

When the situation is bigger than us

Deuteronomy 20:1 “When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.”

When you just can’t do it

2 Chronicles 20:15b & 17 “…..Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you….Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.”

When our focus is blurred

James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

When we’re tired of struggling and need rest

Psalm 46:10a NIV “Be still and know that I am God.” 

(same verse but from the NASB) “Cease striving and know that I am God.”

And finally (reword with whatever your struggle and your situation)                                               

Exodus 14:13-14 “….Do not be afraid (overwhelmed/discouraged/anxious/worried/filled with despair). Stand firm (just be still, cease striving) and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today (let the Lord rescue you TODAY in this thing that you’re battling). The Egyptians (this fear/worry/discouragement/despair) you see today you will never see again (this situation won’t always be here). The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still (be calm, let Him bear the burden, rest in Him).”