It is OK to feel overwhelmed, just so we turn to the right source for help, and thus don’t stay overwhelmed. The Psalms use this word repeatedly. Let’s look at the list of its use in the Psalms with the related reason. Then we will see the right actions listed in each Psalm, personalized to you and me.
Psalm 55:5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. (because of the voice of the enemy and the oppression of the wicked)
—- The response: Call upon God, pray, and cry out. He will save. Cast your burden on the LORD, He will sustain you and not permit you to be moved.
Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (because of the enemy)
—- The response: Cry to God from wherever you are and be led to the rock higher than you, to God, your shelter and strong tower. Abide in His tabernacle and trust His protection. Sing praise to Him and perform your vows.
Psalm 77:3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah (because of sensing that He had cast you off forever and forgotten to be gracious)
—- The response: Cry out to God with your voice, remember what He has done, His works and wonders of old, and meditate on all His work, and talk of His deeds.
Psalm 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, And let my cry come to You. (because of trouble, whether from personal sin or the enemy, and a sense of God’s wrath on you and being cast away)
—- The response: Cry to the LORD, and petition Him, praise Him for His everlasting nature and His glory, that He hears the prayer of the destitute and the groaning of the prisoner, and praise Him for His blessing on the children of His servants.
Psalm 124:4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul; (apart from the LORD being on your side, men would have risen up against you and overwhelmed you)
—- The response: Acknowledge that this will not happen to you because of the LORD’s care for you. You thus bless Him and rejoice in the help of His name, Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me. (because of the enemies secret plans against me, and having seemingly no refuge)
—- The response: Cry out to the LORD with your voice, let Him know your need, acknowledge that He is your refuge, and realize that He will deal bountifully with you.
Psalm 143:4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed. (because of the crushing persecution of the enemy)
—- The response: Pray to the LORD, meditate on all His works and muse on the works of His hands, continue to plead with Him, and trust Him. Ask Him to teach you His will, lead you, revive you, and bring you out of trouble for His righteousness’ sake.
In each instance, praying to the LORD was key, whether in crying out for help or praising Him for deliverance. Part of this prayer is praising Him for His past works, and dwelling on the works of His hands.
This last verse shows that in the long run, eventually, we are not the ones that will be overwhelmed, but the enemies of God will be.
Psalm 78:53 And He led them on safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
May our focus be on our great and powerful LORD, our ROCK!