Whelm

Whelm
1. verb (used with object) to submerge; engulf.
2. to overcome utterly; overwhelm:
3. verb (used without object) to roll or surge over something, as in becoming submerged.

Underwhelmed. A word I usually pair with something I'm not impressed with, underwhelmed pops up often in my vernacular. I use the word flippantly; usually to share one of my many opinions. On the flip side- a word I also use frequently, but with far more weight attached- OVERWHELMED. It looks heavy, it sounds heavy, when I say it, the weight on my shoulders feels heavy- as if I'm about to be crushed by circumstances that is beyond my control. 

As I ponder this feeling of overwhelmedness (not a real word)... I think of being swallowed up- by stress, by things I can't control but that I am forced to deal with, and so on. My curiosity today, pushed me to look up the definition of this root word. It described my feelings exactly. Aha! moment. However, it moves me no closer to finding solutions to the situations that overwhelm me- most, on a daily basis. 

So what's a girl to do when she feels submerged- utterly overcome- with life? Today, I ran where I should have been running (or swimming to) all along- Jesus- the author and FINISHER of my faith. That's right, in those moments when doubt rushes in on the heels of an overwhelming situation, there is Jesus- the one who finishes. Beyond this situation, beyond this fear, this doubt, this mere moment- there is my heavenly father- reaching out as I run to Him. 

Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.         Hebrews 12: 1-2

The scripture goes on to speak about the chastening of the Lord. Although this word means to cause suffering with the goal of improvement, it also means to restrain or subdue- to make chaste. Perhaps these overwhelming circumstances are God working out my salvation. Perhaps the very things I struggle with today are the tools I need for tomorrow. Jesus stands in my future- in your future- knowing what is coming, knowing what must be done; just as He knew what he had to do on the cross. He endured. And so shall I... for the joy that is set before me far outshines the trials of this current life. So shall I.