11212020 Overwhelmed Internally

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our sustaining God. Aren't you glad He holds us up when we are too weak to stand?

Lesson #15. The burden of internal grief resulting from the trial can be heavier than the trial itself. "Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me" (6:2-4).

What were Job's trials? Loss of finances, loss of family members, and loss of health. The loss of his children is the easiest to relate to internal grief; that makes sense. The other trials were external, physical things, yet Job's struggle and burden is deeply internal. In fact, his sorrow and complaints really did not take center stage until he became ill.

If Job's illness was the issue, why does he keep talking about this deep pain and struggle in his spirit? Wouldn't it be more logical to talk about wanting a physician or an herbal remedy or a procedure that would ease his physical discomfort? Why was Job so occupied with his internal struggles rather than talking about the practical surface problems? Job does at times give symptoms of his illness, but he spends very little time actually discussing his specific trials at face value. He never talks about rebuilding his herds, getting another crop in this year, or finding new servants. He doesn't even talk about missing his children or about to whom he will now devote himself.

This is an interesting observation about the way God made man as a multi-dimensional being. Man is a physical being, but he is also an emotional being and a spiritual being, and these components are inseparably linked. When one part of man becomes overwhelmed, the other parts are also impacted. We have limitations, and when those limits are reached, we have a tendency to struggle on multiple levels. And that happens for both men and women. Job told how prolonged suffering took its toll on him. "And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place. The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man" (14:18-19).

So there is this reality that trials that are external and physical in nature have a tremendous impact on our spirits. Our battles fall primarily in our inner man. That may not always seem logical, but it is nevertheless true. At times we might feel guilty that we are struggling so much, but our struggle is reflective of our human frailty. It demonstrates the multi-faceted nature that God has given us.

How do we respond and manage when our spirits are so overwhelmed? I found five Biblical references to an overwhelmed spirit. “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2). “I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed” (Psalm 77:3). “A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD” (Psalm 102 title). “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me” (Psalm 142:3). “Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate” (Psalm 143:4).

I gleaned six principles, each of which shows up repeatedly in the above verses and their surrounding contexts. First, call out to God. Second, know God's character. Third, lean on God. Fourth, think about God's works. Fifth, ask God for help. Sixth, determine to thank Him.

When we are overwhelmed, when our bodies, spirits, and emotions are facing more than we can handle, God is the answer. "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22). May He uphold you this week, no matter how heavy the burden is. Happy Thanksgiving!

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA