a prayer for when you feel overwhelmed by Emily Rose Massey
 read by Liam Martin
 Hear My Cry o god listen to my prayer
 the end of the Earth I call to you in my heart is faint
 lead me to the rock that is higher than I
 for you have been my refuge a strong tower against the enemy Psalm 61 1 through 3
 I sat in the recliner with my journal on my lap and tears streaming down my cheeks
 I knew that if I could just write out my frustrations just like countless times before in my life that I might be able to find some clarity and it may help to calm the swirling thoughts that were circling around in my mind will causing me feel so utterly overwhelmed with everything going on in my life
 a journal for as long as I can remember as a writer I've always enjoyed being a Storyteller and often especially after becoming a Christ follower journaling has helped me externally process my very own stories with God
 before I began writing I grabbed my Bible and thumb through the book of Psalms suddenly the first three verses in Psalm 61 caught my attention
 Hear My Cry o god listen to my prayer
 the end of the Earth I call you my heart is faint
 lead me to the rock that is higher than I or you have been my refuge a strong tower against the enemy so I'm 61 1 through 3
 I read these three verses allowed a few times and tears continue to flow
 my heart was faint
 but the Lord was strengthening me as I Look to Him my ever-present help in time of need
 my weeping turned into a time of gratitude that I was not alone in my suffering
 God was near to me in that moment as soon as he overwhelmed with my anxiety over what I was facing God's peace began to overwhelm my heart as I shared with him what was causing me so much worry and stress suddenly I was able to see more clearly and my problems seem so small standing next to God almighty
 when our heart is overwhelmed with the cares of this life we must take the time to cast them upon the Lord
 1st Peter 5:7 like Psalm 61 tells us we are to cry out to God for he alone is our protection and refuge against the chaos of this life
 Jesus Christ Our Rock is our firm foundation with the ground beneath our feet feel shaky
 we can run to him for safety and trust that when the waves crashing around us he will be our Fortress in the midst of the storms of life
 let's pray
 father I am stressed out and overwhelmed
 I cry out to you knowing that you care for me and that you do not want me
 Define safety and anything else but you I run to you and look to you to bring a peace that passes all understanding
 for you are my Fortress and protection against the storms of life
 thank you Jesus that you are a firm foundation
 in the midst of chaos and troubles you are constant and you are unshakable
 I do not build my life upon stinking stand but on you my rock and my redeemer
 thank you for being near to me when I'm worried or afraid
 I can always lean upon you and trust that you are always working things out for your glory and for my good
 amen