How to Handle Being Overwhelmed and Overloaded

November 21, 2025 | Posted by : Donna Jones

Do you ever feel overwhelmed?

Of course! That’s kind of like asking, “Is the Pope Catholic?”

Feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of being human. But something about this particular stretch of the calendar—from mid-November until the New Year—seems to magnify the pressure. Expectations rise, responsibilities multiply, and the demands (both spoken and unspoken) pile up until our souls feel stretched thin.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the two holidays meant to fill us with joy can instead fill us with dread, pressure, sadness, or stress. The enemy loves nothing more than to twist what God designed for our good. His goal is—and always has been—to steal, kill, and destroy anything that reflects God’s goodness.

Think about Thanksgiving. It was birthed out of deep gratitude for all God had done to protect and provide for the early settlers. After tremendous loss in 1621, the pilgrims intentionally paused to remember God’s faithfulness. They set aside time to reflect, worship, and say “thank you.” And they celebrated for three whole days—with food, family, and friends.

They understood something we often forget:
The best way to keep from being overwhelmed by hardship is to create space to be overwhelmed with gratitude.

Then there’s Christmas. What God meant to overwhelm us with His extravagant love has often been twisted into a season that overwhelms us with our extravagant to-do lists:

  • Buy the gifts

  • Send the cards

  • Attend the parties

  • Create the traditions

  • Decorate the tree

  • Trim the mantel

  • Take the photo (with matching outfits, of course)

None of these things are bad—in fact, many are beautiful, meaningful, and fun—if we don’t allow culture’s expectations to overshadow God’s invitation to rest, reflect, and rejoice. But, we have to come to terns with the reality: living over-extended is a sure fire way to live overwhelmed. (Side note: an easy way to simplify gift giving, especially for gift exchanges and teacher’s gifts–and give a meaningful gift, too–is choose a gift from the Samaritan’s Purse Catalog. That’s what I’m doing this year.)

So what do we do when the next few weeks leave us feeling overloaded and under pressure?

Psalm 142:2–3 gives us a simple but powerful roadmap:

“I pour out my complaints before him
and tell him all my troubles.
When I am overwhelmed,
you [God] alone know the way I should turn.”

1. Tell God honestly how you feel.

David didn’t unload on his spouse, his children, or his co-workers—he poured out his heart to God. Simply talking to God about what’s weighing on you—your thoughts, your schedule, your body, your emotions—lightens the burden.

2. Ask God for direction.

Overwhelm muddies our ability to discern what matters and what can wait. But God sees clearly. David said, “You alone know the way I should turn.” Ask God to show you the next right step—not all fifty—just the next one.  Don’t try to do everything; choose to do the right thing for you and your family.

3. Open God’s Word.

When your soul feels stretched thin, Scripture becomes a warm, steadying stream of comfort. If you’re pressed for time, read one Psalm. Let God’s truth wash over you, soften your heart, steady your thoughts, and remind you of His deep care.

The truth is, everyone feels overwhelmed. Me. You. All of us.

But this holiday season, let’s not only acknowledge the overwhelm—let’s also make space to be overwhelmed by the greatness, goodness, and love of God.

You are loved,

Donna

To help focus your heart this holiday season (really, any season!) listen to the That’s Just What I Needed podcast. You’ll love it. I promise!

On the Podcast Recently:

You’ll find the That’s Just What I Needed podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts and Life Audio Podcasts.

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