Overwhelmed

 

     

   

      How many times have you used the word "overwhelmed" in an entirely negative way? I know I have a LOT! It may surprise you, as it did me, to learn that by definition, there's no negative implication in the word. Here's how Webster's on-line dictionary defines the word: 

1."overcome by force or numbers"

2."completely overcome or overpowered by thought or feeling"

     Do you see any negative words in there? Neither do I. Of course, it can be used in a negative way. Even as I write this, my neighbors in Western North Carolina have been overwhelmed by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, which in a few short hours swept away homes, took lives, washed out highways and bridges, cutting off whole towns from power, safe water, food, and even communication with the "outside world." Yet these people and places are already being overwhelmed by an outpouring of loving aid that was no more expected than the destructive storm.

      This morning, looking out upon a gray sky that promised imminent showers, I was experiencing the usual pain that foretells a barometric pressure drop, when I was unexpectedly treated to a visit on my deck by a beautiful red-bellied woodpecker. Then came a brilliant male cardinal, followed by a parade of chickadees, finches, and wrens splashing in the shallow pan of water I had left for them on the flower-laden table right outside the door. At once I was overwhelmed by the beauty and variety of God's amazing creation! I am overwhelmed not only by His creativity, but His imagination! Who of us could make or even imagine something as exquisite as a butterfly or a hummingbird, as hilarious as a giraffe, a kitten, or a puppy dog, as dazzling as a breaching whale or a glowing sunset, as breathtaking as a snow-capped mountain range or a glistening ocean wave? 

      And then I thought, "He cares for ME!" 

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." (Matthew 10:30 KJV)

      He knew since before time began that I would be in this very spot at this very moment watching the birds, sensing His love, and then sharing it with you! Yes, He knew you would be reading these words at this very moment, and He wants YOU to sense His love, as well! It's not just for some of us, but for ALL!

"all my days were written in Your book

and ordained for me

before one of them came to be."

(Psalm 139:16 BSB)

      I determined right then to be MORE overwhelmed by His love and His blessings than by my trials. Won't you join me? After all, trials are temporary, but His love is eternal. 

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."  (Romans 8:37 NLT)

 "For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 CSB)

✝️

 "He must increase and I must decrease."

John 3:30