Overcoming Overwhelm | Dr. Jen Bennett

Life can throw so much at us—unexpected challenges, significant transitions, and the everyday pressures in our personal and professional lives. Recently, I experienced overwhelming emotions when my family received nearly 50 boxes of items from our house that survived a fire. We’ve also been navigating the stress of selling a home, living in a hotel, and buying a new home in a new state. Needless to say, it’s been overwhelming! So today, let’s chat about Overcoming Overwhelm! 
 
In this episode, I specifically chat through the stories of biblical figures who faced overwhelming situations, including practical steps for navigating overwhelm in your life. Here’s a sneak peek into what I share:

• Moses: Learn how Moses dealt with the immense burden of leading the Israelites and how God provided support to help him carry the load.
• Elijah: Discover how Elijah found rest and spiritual reassurance after a major victory left him feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed.
• Job: Reflect on Job’s experience of profound loss and suffering, and how his trust in God’s wisdom brought him solace.
• Ruth: Understand how Ruth navigated the uncertainty of widowhood and a foreign land, and how her faithfulness led to new beginnings.

 Friends, feeling overwhelmed is a natural part of the human experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. By leaning into Jesus and taking practical, intentional steps, you can navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope. You are not alone, and together, with God, we can overcome overwhelm!
 
Reflection Questions

• Are you carrying burdens alone that could be shared? Who in your life can you trust to help you carry these responsibilities?
• When was the last time you truly rested and took care of your physical and spiritual needs? How can you create space for rest and renewal in your busy schedule?
• In moments of deep overwhelm and pain, how do you find the strength to trust in God’s plan? Can you recall a time when trusting God brought you peace, even without understanding the situation?
• How can you cultivate unwavering faithfulness in your life, like Ruth did, even when you’re facing uncertainty and overwhelm? What steps can you take to actively trust in God’s provision and timing?

Episode Takeaways

• "Just as God provided Moses with seventy elders, we can seek out our own support systems to share our burdens."
• "Taking care of our physical and spiritual needs can help us navigate overwhelming times, just as God provided Elijah with food, rest, and gentle reassurance."
• "Like Job, we can find solace in trusting God's wisdom, even when circumstances are confusing or painful."
• "Ruth's unwavering faithfulness and hard work were honored by God, showing us the importance of staying committed to His path."
• "Feeling overwhelmed is a natural part of the human experience, but you don’t have to face it alone—lean into Jesus for resilience and hope."

Connect with Jen:
Connect with Jen:
Website: https://drjenbennett.com/
#BeWorthFollowing Book: http://amzn.to/2H4gn9m
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenbennett/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenbennett/

Dr. Jen Bennett, Associate Professor at IWU, empowers future leaders in business entrepreneurship. Recognized as one of the "65 Women in Digital You Should Be Following" and a #NASASocial influencer, she authored "#BeWorthFollowing" and hosts the She Impacts Culture Podcast. Jen’s passion lies in teaching, leadership, and fostering success in others, equipping them with prac