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How to Keep the Right Attitude When You’re Overwhelmed
How to Keep the Right Attitude When You’re Overwhelmed
Two weeks ago my family and I sold our house and moved into an RV. As you probably can imagine, this was a major undertaking. By the end of the first week I felt like I had run a marathon every day. I struggled to remain positive and patient throughout the move despite the fact that I had made a conscious effort to do so.
Stress and exhaustion are two of Satan’s favorite tools to weaken our flesh and pull us away from God. It’s been said that B.U.S.Y. stands for Being Under Satan’s Yoke. Following are three Biblical tips to help you keep the right attitude when life gets crazy.
1. Be honest with yourself.
Just admit you’re struggling with your attitude because you’ve got too much going on. Don’t justify yourself. Don’t blame your frustration on others or take it out on them. See the situation for what it really is and take responsibility for your own attitude (Phil. 4:10-13).
2. Ask God for help.
Instead of trying to handle stressful times on your own, ask for strength from “Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3:20). Trust in His power to make the unbearable bearable and to make you adequate to face life’s challenges (2 Cor. 3:5).
3. Fake it till you make it.
Realize the trial you’re going through won’t last forever and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. In the interim, if you have to force yourself to smile and be polite, do it. Love is patient and kind (1 Cor. 13:4) in any situation. Keep your eyes fixed on your Savior and strive to imitate His calm endurance (Heb. 12:2) even when you don’t feel like it.
Trials reveal our true character. They will either make you or break you, mold you or melt you. Ultimately it’s our choice how we respond. Don’t let Satan use stress to pull you down to his level.
Take the high road of patience, joy, and trust. If you do, you’ll not only make it through the hard times with the right attitude, you’ll “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).
