When my heart is overwhelmed: Finding Strength in God

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” — Psalm 61:2 (KJV)

Pix taken by Jumi

Life doesn’t always give us time to prepare for the storms.

One minute, everything seems steady, the routines, the rhythms, the plans, and the next, something shifts. Something breaks. Something changes. And suddenly, we find ourselves in the deep. Right now, I’m in that place. My son is in the hospital, and I don’t have all the answers. My heart is heavy. My thoughts are racing. And yet, I find myself whispering over and over, “Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”

That verse, Psalm 61:2, isn’t just a pretty piece of scripture today. It is breath. It is hope. It is a reminder that when our footing is unsure, there is still a Rock. There is still a God who is higher than the storm, higher than the diagnosis, higher than our fear. 

Embracing Faith During Life's Storms

Troubles are part of this life. Jesus didn’t hide that from us. In John 16:33, He told us plainly, “In this world, you will have trouble.” But He also gave us something greater: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”

When we feel overwhelmed, it's natural to seek Christian encouragement and look for Bible verses for strength. Psalm 61:2 serves as a reminder that we can cry out to God, asking Him to lead us to a place of refuge and stability. Being a believer doesn’t mean we’re immune to pain; it means we have somewhere to run when the pain comes. It means we have a steady place to stand when our world starts shaking.

Right now, I’m doing the only thing I know how to do in the face of uncertainty: I’m crying out to God. I’m asking Him to guide the doctors, to bring healing to my son’s body, and to strengthen me as a mother and my family. I’m choosing to believe that even in this valley, God is near.

Lead Me, Lord

This moment reminds me that we don’t have to have it all together. We don’t have to pretend to be strong when we’re falling apart. We can cry out, just like David did: “Lead me.”

That small prayer is powerful. It surrenders control. It invites divine direction. It acknowledges that we can’t climb the mountain on our own; we need help. And the beautiful thing about our faith is that we are not reaching up to a distant God. He is close by. He is already with us, already working, already carrying us when we can’t take another step.

Holding Onto the Light

I know God is faithful. He has never failed me, and He won’t start now. My heart may be overwhelmed, but I’m not without hope. I’m not without light. I’m not without a Rock.

So if you’re reading this and you, too, feel overwhelmed by sickness, by fear, by life-take a breath. Whisper that prayer: “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” And trust that God hears. Trust that He’s closer than you think. Trust that the light within you is not your own, it’s Him, shining even in the darkest night.

Keep holding on. Keep trusting. And when you can’t find the way forward, let Him carry you.

With love, Jumi 💕