Feeling overwhelmed can sneak up on anyone—whether it’s the weight of responsibilities, emotional exhaustion, or just the sense that life is “too much” right now. Maybe you’re juggling work, family, and personal struggles, or perhaps you’re carrying burdens that no one else sees. God’s love is gentle enough to meet you in your chaos and strong enough to help you find peace, one step at a time.
“I kept trying to push through on my own, but the more I did, the heavier everything felt. As I started to chew on God’s promises, I discovered moments of calm—even in the middle of the storm.”
How to Use This Resource
- Grab a journal.
- After each section, pause and write out your answers. Don’t rush—let yourself go deep.
- When you run out of answers, ask a new CHEW question, talk to a trusted friend, or look up what wise Christians say about your question.
- At the end, you’ll find a 7-Day CHEW Challenge and ways to connect with others for support.
Step 1: Get Honest About Feeling Overwhelmed
- When do I feel most overwhelmed? (When I have too much to do, when I can’t fix everything, when emotions pile up, when I feel alone)
- What triggers my sense of overload? (Deadlines, family needs, unexpected problems, feeling unappreciated)
- What do I believe about myself, God, or others in those moments? (I’m not enough, God expects too much, no one understands, I have to do it all)
Step 2: Identify the Core Need Beneath the Overwhelm
- What am I really longing for right now? (Rest, relief, help, understanding, hope, a break)
- What lie am I tempted to believe about God or myself? (God won’t help, I’m failing, I’m alone in this, I have to keep it together for everyone)
Step 3: Match Your Struggle to a Characteristic of God’s Love
God’s love for you is:
- Caring and compassionate (Psalm 103:13–14; 1 Peter 5:7)
- A source of rest (Matthew 11:28–30)
- Strong and sustaining (Isaiah 40:29–31)
- Peace-giving (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6–7)
- Ever-present (Psalm 46:1; Hebrews 13:5)
- Understanding and patient (Psalm 139:1–4; James 1:5)
Step 4: CHEW Questions for Overwhelm
Write your answers in detail—don’t stop until you can’t think of any more. When you run out, try a new question, ask a friend, or look up biblical resources. Check out what this looks like here.
Caring & Compassionate
- If I really believed God cares about my struggles, how would that change the way I talk to Him when I’m overwhelmed?
- If I really believed God understands my limits, how would that change my expectations of myself?
- If I really believed God’s compassion never runs out, how would that change my self-talk when I can’t do it all?
A Source of Rest
- If I really believed Jesus offers rest for my soul, how would that change my willingness to pause and receive it?
- If I really believed God wants me to come to Him tired and burdened, how would that change my approach to prayer?
- If I really believed rest is a gift, not a reward, how would that change my daily rhythms?
Strong & Sustaining
- If I really believed God gives strength to the weary, how would that change my response to exhaustion?
- If I really believed God’s power is made perfect in my weakness, how would that change my view of my limitations?
- If I really believed God sustains me, how would that change my need to control everything?
Peace-Giving
- If I really believed God’s peace is available in chaos, how would that change my anxiety about the future?
- If I really believed God can calm my heart, how would that change my reactions in stressful moments?
- If I really believed God’s peace guards my mind, how would that change my thought patterns when I’m overwhelmed?
Ever-Present
- If I really believed God is with me right now, how would that change my sense of being alone in my struggles?
- If I really believed God never leaves me, how would that change my fear of being unsupported?
- If I really believed God is my refuge, how would that change where I turn when life feels too much?
Understanding & Patient
- If I really believed God knows my every thought and feeling, how would that change my honesty with Him?
- If I really believed God is patient with my process, how would that change my frustration with slow progress?
- If I really believed God welcomes my questions and doubts, how would that change my conversations with Him?
Step 5: Meditate, Pray, and Apply
Reflect on a key verse:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” —Matthew 11:28–29
Pause and pray:
“Father, I bring my overwhelm to You. Thank You for caring, for offering rest, and for being strong when I am weak. Help me receive Your peace and trust Your presence right now.”
Let God’s Word shape your thinking and heart:
- Write the verse on a card or your phone.
- Repeat it when overwhelm rises.
- Ask God to help you trust His promise, not just your feelings.
Step 6: 7-Day CHEW Challenge
- Pick one CHEW question each day.
- Journal your answers, going as deep as you can.
- Share one insight with a trusted friend or CHEW group.
- Pray and ask God to help you believe and live out His truth.
Transparency Note: This resource is crafted in collaboration with advanced AI tools and thoughtfully finalized by the 1st Principle Group staff to ensure biblical faithfulness and practical relevance for our readers.
Let these questions and truths be a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and let God meet you in your overwhelm. You are seen, loved, and never alone.
