Feeling Overwhelmed

   The feeling of being overwhelmed is a universal part of being human. No matter what your economic, physical, social, or mental state of being is, feeling overwhelmed is something we can all relate to. No matter who you are or where you come from, we all know what it feels like to stand in front of something that seems impossible to cross. Joshua 1-4 and Psalm 65 show us that while we may feel overwhelmed at times, God will always deliver us.

Although Joshua was prepared under Moses’ wing and promised success by God, I’m sure he felt overwhelmed by his new responsibilities. There was much to be overwhelmed by, as he could have felt this way from pride, fame, legacy (“they’ll put me in the history books”), or the power that comes with leadership. As we read in these four chapters, Joshua did not allow himself to stumble despite these obstacles that were put in his way. He kept his eyes and ears obedient to God, and his devotion allowed him to do some miraculous things.

 Despite the responsibilities and temptations, we see Joshua eventually ends up at the Jordan river during its flooding stage. Notice how God did not bring them to calm waters, but instead he brought them when crossing the Jordan seemed impossible. This was a moment of vulnerability for Joshua. If the waters did not stop, his men would have probably lost faith in him. Despite this, Joshua let his faith win anyway.

This is what true faith looks like. There is not an absence of fear, stress, or worry in this portion of Joshua’s story. Rather, this story shows us that faith cannot reveal itself when there is no cost. Faith is trusting in God even when you see the Jordan in flood stage rushing in front of you. God has the power to stop the rushing waters and allow you to pass.

Think about your life now. What is your Jordan river? What is stopping you from trusting that God will fulfill his promises? Psalm 65 shows us the other side of the river. Through praise and faith, they have learned to cross river after river, pursuing and believing in God and his purpose for them. Verse 9 talks about how God provides, and verses 11-13 paint a beautiful picture of the abundance we can have if we keep our faith in him even when it seems impossible.