When Life Feels Overwhelming, Hit the Help Button

When I first started blogging, I did not know what a blog really was, much less how to start one. I spent one weekend sitting on my front porch searching every “how-to” article I could find about blogging. I probably had fifteen tabs open, a notebook full of scribbles, and a look on my face that said, “Lord, what have I gotten myself into?”

Since then, I have learned a lot about the industry, but just about the time I think I have something figured out, someone decides I need to learn a new platform, program, app, or update. Technology has a way of keeping us humble, doesn’t it? Just when you feel like you are cruising along, it taps you on the shoulder and says, “Not so fast.”

It can be overwhelming at any age, but sometimes I feel like I fall into the “old dog learning new tricks” category. And let me tell you, this old dog sometimes wants to hide under the porch instead of learning the trick.

Trying to Figure It Out on My Own

When I need to learn a new platform or program, I usually have a few choices.

First, I ask around to see if any of my friends already know how to use it. If they do, I am all ears. There is nothing better than having someone explain it in plain English instead of tech language that sounds like it was written by a robot with a grudge.

If none of my friends know anything about it, then I try to figure it out myself. That usually involves clicking around, reading instructions, watching videos, and muttering things under my breath that are not exactly inspirational. Lol!

Most of the time, I eventually end up using the HELP button that is found on almost every platform or program.

And honestly, that little button can be a lifesaver.

The Help Button Is There for a Reason

I am not the first person to struggle, which is why the HELP button usually has answers to the most common questions. Someone else has already had the same problem, asked the same question, and probably stared at the same screen, wondering why it had to be so complicated.

Even after I read the answers, I am often still confused. Sometimes I have to read the instructions several times. Other times, I have to break everything down into small chunks, so I do not get overwhelmed.

One step at a time. One answer at a time. One deep breath at a time.

That works pretty well when I am dealing with blogging or technology, but there are times when life throws a curveball, and I need more than a troubleshooting article.

I need real help.

When Life Throws a Curveball

The same process I use for finding help with the blog can also apply to life.

Sometimes, I turn to friends who have already walked the path I am on. They can encourage me because they have survived something similar. They can tell me what helped them, what hurt them, and what they wish they had known sooner.

That kind of support is such a blessing.

Family and friends can offer encouragement, wisdom, and a shoulder to cry on. They can sit with us, listen to us, and remind us that we are not alone. I am thankful for people like that in my life.

But as much as our loved ones care about us, they cannot truly carry the burden for us. They can walk beside us, but they cannot walk inside our hearts. They can pray for us, but they cannot give us the peace that only God can give.

The HELP button we need most cannot be found on a computer screen.

God’s Help Button Is Always Available

The good news is that we all have access to a HELP button, and it is available 24/7.

We do not have to wait for business hours. We do not have to submit a ticket. We do not have to sit in a long phone queue listening to elevator music while a recording tells us our call is very important.

Thank goodness, because I have been in some of those phone queues, and by the time a real person answers, I have forgotten why I called.

With God, we can come to Him immediately.

In the middle of the night.
In the middle of the mess.
In the middle of the fear.
In the middle of the tears.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Lord tells us not to worry, which can be difficult. That is one of those instructions that sounds simple until you are wide awake at 2:00 a.m. thinking about every possible thing that could go wrong.

And isn’t it funny how our minds never rehearse the calm, peaceful outcome at 2:00 a.m.? No ma’am. Mine likes to drag out the worst-case scenario and give it a spotlight.

But this verse does not tell us to stop being anxious about only the “big” things. It says not to be anxious about anything. Not money. Not health. Not marriage. Not children. Not the future. Not the problem that keeps circling your mind like a slow-moving tornado.

Anything means anything.

God knows worry comes naturally to us. He knows we are tempted to carry things we were never strong enough to carry on our own. That is why He gives us the answer. In every situation, we are to come to Him in prayer, with thanksgiving, and present our requests to Him.

Every situation.
Not just the easy ones.
Not just the ones we think He has time for.
Not just the ones that sound spiritual enough.

All of them.

Prayer Does Not Mean We Get Everything We Ask For

Now, this verse does not say that God will give us everything we ask for. He is not a magic lamp, and prayer is not a way to rub the lamp and get three wishes.

I am thankful for that, even though I do not always feel thankful in the moment. I have asked for some things over the years that God, in His wisdom, did not give me. Looking back, I can see His protection in some of those “no” answers.

At the time, though? Well, I may not have been quite so spiritual about it. Lol!

What the verse does promise is that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

That kind of peace does not always make sense to the world. It does not mean the problem disappears overnight. It does not mean the test results change, the bills vanish, the relationship heals instantly, or the hard season ends as quickly as we would like. But it does mean we are not carrying it alone.

God’s peace can stand guard over our hearts when our circumstances have not changed yet. That is the kind of help we need most.

God Hears Us When We Seek Him

Psalms 34:4 (NIV)
⁴ I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

I love this verse because it reminds us that seeking the Lord is not wasted effort. When we call out to Him, He hears us. When fear feels louder than faith, He is still near.

Sometimes we want God to remove the entire situation, and sometimes He does. But other times, He delivers us from the fear that is controlling us while He walks us through the situation.

That matters.

Fear can make us feel trapped before anything has even happened. It can make us imagine ten problems when we are only facing one. It can make us live in tomorrow’s trouble instead of trusting God for today’s strength.

When we seek the Lord, He may not always change the situation the way we hoped, but He can change what the situation is doing inside of us.

We Have a Choice to Make

It looks like we have a choice to make.

We can continue to worry and stay anxious about things we cannot control anyway, or we can go to the Lord with our requests.

I wish I could say I always choose the second option first, but that would not be the truth. Sometimes I try to figure things out myself. Sometimes I ask everyone else what they think. Sometimes I run through every possible scenario in my head until I am worn completely out.

Then, finally, I remember to hit the HELP button.

The beautiful thing is that God does not shame us for coming to Him late. He does not say, “Well, it is about time.” He welcomes us. He listens. He comforts. He guides.

So the next time life feels overwhelming, maybe we do not need to keep clicking around trying to fix everything ourselves. Maybe we just need to stop, breathe, and hit the HELP button.

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With A Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for being our help in every situation. Forgive us for the times we try to carry our worries alone instead of bringing them to You. When fear rises up, remind us to seek You first. Fill our hearts with Your peace, guard our minds, and help us trust that You are near even when life feels overwhelming. Thank You for hearing us, loving us, and walking with us through every struggle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.