Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when you're feeling overwhelmed

When the Inbox Overflows
A devotional by Terry Overton

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

I checked my email before the sun was up. Once again, my inbox is overflowing. It is full of two types of email messages: someone wants something from me, or someone wants me to make time for them to offer something to me. I looked at the list. Some of the unanswered emails were from weeks ago yet still unanswered.

I am in a season where I need support but want to avoid all demands. Have you been there? Life’s noise doesn’t just come from outside; it comes from inside—our thoughts, expectations, guilt, and “shoulds.” Even when we try to rest, our minds often scroll through tasks we haven’t completed. We feel we can’t stop because everything seems urgent.

But Jesus Christ’s invitation in Matthew 11:28 is not about adding another task to your list—it’s about relief. He doesn’t say, “Finish your work and then come to me.” He simply says, “Come to me.” It’s an open door in the middle of chaos, not at the end of it. Jesus says in Psalm 46:10 (ESV): “Be still, and know that I am God.” But the voice I hear in my mind is one that says, “Get it done or you will miss the deadline. Don’t stop now. You’re not tired! You can’t stop.” However, if I close my eyes and quiet my mind then I hear another voice. God whispers a calming message: “Be still.”

In an action that seems counterintuitive, I close my laptop. My heart is heavy. My mind feels stretched beyond capacity. I stop. I stop trying to finish self-imposed demands. I stop and whisper, “Jesus, I’m here.” He’s not checking my productivity to see if I’ve met my goal. He is not concerned if I achieved more today than yesterday. No, He is concerned with my well-being. He’s healing my exhaustion.

Have you felt this? Too many demands, schedules, timelines, and not enough rest? This is not what our Lord and Savior wants for us. He is our loving Father. He wants His children to feel His love, compassion, and peace. Stillness doesn’t always mean laziness or incompetence—it means surrender. It’s the pause between breaths where you let go of your busyness and remember who holds the world together (God, not you).

Psalm 46:10 doesn’t say “work harder and know that I am God.” It says, “Be still.” The psalmist wrote those words during turmoil, not peace. God calls us to trust Him even when the world presses us to move faster, produce more, be better at everything. God remains unshaken.

Resting in Him isn’t laziness—it’s surrender. It’s believing that God’s strength can hold what burdens you. His love is everlasting. This means He loves you when you are overwhelmed and He knows you need rest. When others demand, “Pay attention or answer now”, the quiet voice of Jesus whispers, “Abide in Me.”

The work will still be there, but resting in Jesus will provide you with strength and peace. Return to Him. Rest in Him. Trust God. His love will bring you peace.

Let’s Pray: Father, thank You for always loving me and protecting me. Teach me that rest is peace with You and renewal. Replace my hurriedness with silence and rest. Lord, I bring You my exhaustion and endless to-do list. Teach me to release what I can’t control, and to find peace in Your presence. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Be Still and Know” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Abide in Me” by Ana Laura. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

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Connect with Terry:
Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com
Blog: https://terryovertonbooks.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: When you're too busy to breathe at Christmas

Too Busy to Breathe at Christmas?
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Christmas is supposed to be the season of joy, peace, and hope.

But if we’re honest, many of us enter December with good intentions only to arrive at Christmas Eve feeling exhausted, frazzled, and secretly counting down the minutes until everything is over.

Between decorating, shopping, family gatherings, church events, end-of-year deadlines, meal planning, and making everything “special", Christmas can become one big swirl of stress. And while we’re running around trying to create the perfect Christmas, our joy quietly slips away.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas season, please hear this: You are not failing. You are simply carrying more than God ever asked you to. Even in the bustle of Bethlehem, God was creating a moment of holy stillness. And He invites you into that same stillness now.

Wondering what you can do when you’re too busy to breathe this Christmas? The key is to put your priorities back at the feet of Jesus Christ. Christmas often turns us into Martha as described in the Bible (Luke 10:38-42). She was busy, distracted, and convinced everything depends on us. But Jesus gently reminds us now as He reminded Martha then that “only one thing is needed.” Mary (Martha’s sister) chose the better portion because she chose to spend time with Jesus first.

When the Christmas holiday calendar starts to run you instead of you running it, pause and realign your priorities. Here’s a way to remember this important life lesson (See the “priority” acronym with descriptions for each letter below):

P – Pray

Ask God to reveal what really matters for this season. Every December is different; your capacity this year may not match last year, and that’s okay.

R – Review

Go back to Scripture. Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about His presence. What does God say should anchor your life right now?

I – Inventory

Look at the activities, responsibilities, and even traditions on your calendar. Which ones bring life? Which ones drain it?

O – Order

Put things in their proper place. Some tasks are essential; others are optional. Let God show you the difference.

R – Resist

Resist the “tyranny of the urgent,” the pressure to say yes just because something is happening.

I – Input

Ask trusted friends or family: “Is this something I really need to do right now?” God often speaks through wise voices.

T – Take Advantage

Use your time intentionally. There are only 24 hours in a day (even during the busy Christmas season). Ask God to show you how to use them with purpose.

Y – Yield

Lay your plans at His feet. Christmas belongs to Him. Your life belongs to Him. Yielding brings peace.

Still not sure of what you can do when you’re too busy to breathe this Christmas? Here are a few more points to help you (see headings in bold below):

Say “No” Without Guilt – Even During the Holidays

Some of the greatest gifts you can give this Christmas are the words: “No, not this time.” Saying no isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship. God’s grace teaches us to say no to anything that pulls us away from living with peace, joy, and self-control. That includes unrealistic expectations, overwhelming commitments, and traditions that no longer bless your soul. You don’t need long explanations or apologies. A simple, “I won’t be able to do that this year,” is enough. Remember: If God didn’t assign it, He’s not requiring you to carry it.

Let Go of the Unessential

There truly is a season for everything, but not everything belongs in this season. Maybe this isn’t the year to handmake all the Christmas gifts. Maybe this isn’t the year to host every gathering. Maybe this isn’t the year to try a new recipe, decorate every room, or attend every event. Sometimes Christmas requires the courage to let go. Ask the Lord what can wait until another time. Good things are not always God-timed things. Release what no longer fits the capacity, peace, and purpose God has given you for this moment.

No matter how full your life feels right now, God has not abandoned you to busyness. If you put these principles into practice, you’ll experience more joy, more peace, and more hope than you expected.

Remember this beautiful promise: God will never put more on you than He gives you grace to carry. This Christmas, may you choose the better portion, not the perfect holiday, but the holy One who came to bring you rest, renewal, and life.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me slow down enough to see You in this season. Show me what to release, what to rearrange, and what to embrace so my heart can rest in You. Restore my joy, renew my peace, and let my Christmas be more about Christ than the chaos. Fill me with hope as I trust in You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Need a Silent Night” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to handle it when Christmastime hurts

When Christmas Hurts: Celebrating Through Loss and Change
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

—John 13:35 NIV

Turn on the radio or flip on the television, and it doesn’t take long to be reminded this is the happiest time of the year. Except …what if it’s not?

What if, in many ways, this is the hardest time of year for you?

I’ve always looked forward to Christmastime. As a kid, I remember being absolutely giddy with excitement, and it often had nothing to do with what was waiting under the Christmas tree. What caught me up was that glorious buzz of joyful energy from the loved ones all around me—all the laughing grown-ups excited to see each other, everyone dressed up in something festive, all the whispered secrets about gifts and hopes, spinning together to create what felt like a magical time.

Later, when I grew up and had my own kids, it was exciting just to watch them experience that Christmas joy for themselves—going to church, singing the hymns and lighting the candles, picking out gifts for each other. As the years have passed, though, my circle is slowly growing smaller. My grandparents have all passed away, as have my dad, my stepmom, and my favorite aunt. Beloved in-laws, too. My sister lives hours away, my uncle is clear across the country, and I can’t remember the last time I saw the cousin who used to be my best childhood friend.

Loved ones I used to see every holiday are now people I haven’t seen in ages. Two of our four kids are now off to college, and though they’ll be home for Christmas break, it’s different now that the kids are older. Everything feels different, smaller, slightly off-kilter. More subdued. I’m still joyful, still blessed. Yet the difference feels palpable somehow.

Maybe that’s you—maybe you normally love Christmastime, yet the pang of loss cuts deep right now. Maybe you’ve lost a spouse, children, siblings, or a close friend this year, and there’s little laughter this season. Every gleam of joy brings along with it a sharp and painful reminder of the one you’ve lost. Or perhaps you’re struggling with difficult health diagnosis, a broken relationship, financial catastrophe, or mental illness. Whatever it is, the holidays are hard for you, and you struggle to gain even a glimmer of cheer.

The truth is that despite the messages around us trying to tell us what Christmas is “supposed” to be and how we’re “supposed” to feel, the reality is that Christmas is none of those things. The expectations we’ve created around this time of year pale in comparison to the perfect truth about why we celebrate it in the first place. We celebrate Christmas because we celebrate the birth of our Savior (Jesus Christ) who is God in human form, word become flesh who lived, suffered, and then died as a sacrifice for our sins…only to rise again and lead us to eternal life (John 3:16).

And so—even as my heart sometimes aches for those I’ve lost this time of year, while all the songs on the radio tell me how things should be—what helps is remembering the real reason for the season. What helps is loving the ones who are around me now, even as I miss the ones who are no longer with me.

Loving the people in my world today is not only a way that I can claim joy in the season, but it’s also a way that I can honor the gift of Jesus Christ and the birth of my Savior. After all, Jesus told His disciples the world will know who they are—His—by their love for one another (John 13:35). Love really is the greatest truth of all and the most important thing to remember.

Wherever you are this holiday season—grieving and heartbroken, happy and content, or a little bit gloomy and cynical—remember this: Love is the one thing that carries on from Christmas to Christmas. The love of Jesus Christ for all of us, and the love we have for each other in His name.

If you’re struggling this year, can I pray for you? Reach out to me privately.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas. It’s not the lights or the gifts or the celebrations but the fact that You came into this world, Emmanuel—God with us. You chose to live as a human, then suffer and die as a sacrifice so that we could join You in eternity. What a true gift that is. No matter what my feelings right now, please help me remember this. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “We Are the Reason” by AVALON. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.