Overwhelmed!

Gas prices are inching toward $3.70 a gallon in our area, and we've on the low end nation-wide! People are choosing between food and gas. And that's just one factor overwhelming many people. The high cost of medical care...rampant bullying in many schools...endless bills and shrinking incomes...family difficulties...relationship pain and break-ups...and on, and on, and on.

Has life ever been overwhelming to you? Is it now? Here are some resources that might help:

• GOD'S OWN SELF: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18 - New International Version of the Bible.) This is true for you.
• SHATTERED DREAMS by Larry Crabb. Helping us to see that sometimes being overwhelmed, painful as it is, shows us more clearly the One on whom we were designed to depend.
• THE SHACK by William P. Young. A novel about a man who loses a child suddenly and violently, and who encounters God in the midst of being overwhelmed by grief.
• STREAMS IN THE DESERT by L.B. Cowman. A daily devotional guide specifically for those who are overwhelmed and discouraged.
• THE JOURNEY OF DESIRE by John Eldredge. Beyond all that overwhelms us, helping us to realize that for which our hearts and passions really desire.

For those in our area, our church is exploring how to live faithfully and well in the midst of being overwhelmed. We're doing this through our Wednesday worship service in our Chapel at 6 p.m. each week between now and Easter. We'd love to have you join us, as we let God navigate us through overwhelming times.

I'll see you around the next bend in the river.