Life is Messy: What Grounds You When Life and the World Around You Feel Overwhelming?

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between the noise (social media, 24/7 news, teachers calling about your child’s behavior in class, etc.), the pressure (family, friends, co-workers), and the constant distractions (noise + pressure), we often find ourselves caught in an ever-deepening cycle of chaos, searching desperately for peace and stability.

Whether it’s the small frustrations or the life-altering challenges no one is ever truly prepared for, the storms of life can feel like they’re pulling us under (“I’m drowning here!!”) or in different directions (“Which way should I go? I think I might be lost…”).

So, what grounds us in moments like these? How can we stay rooted in Jesus—and in who He has created us to be—when everything around us feels chaotic?

In Mark 4:1-9, Jesus teaches The Parable of the Sower, comparing different types of soil to the ways people receive God’s Word. This parable offers profound insight into how the state of our hearts and minds impacts our ability to trust in Jesus and His plans for our lives and loved ones. Jesus describes seeds falling on different surfaces—the path, rocky places, thorny ground, and good soil.

Each surface represents how we respond to God’s Word. Some hear it but let it slip away. Some receive it but allow it to wither. Others let the worries of life (thorns, weeds, etc.) choke it out. But then, there’s the good soil—deep, rich, and ready in faith to receive the seed, allowing it to take root and bear fruit by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I would humbly argue that we are a mix of these surfaces at different times and seasons in our lives. Becoming “good” soil isn’t something we achieve on our own. After all, God is the one who provides the seed (His Word), and He is the one who gives faith to make it grow and bear fruit.

So how can we, in faith, shift our focus to where God is already cultivating good soil in our lives? When life is overwhelming, how can we look beyond the seeds that fall on our cracked sidewalks or in thorny back alleys and instead nurture the faith-filled seeds planted in God’s good soil?

Let’s start with the foundational truths of who you are. You were created by God in His image. Your worth does not come from what you do (or fail to do) or how you define yourself. Your worth comes solely from who God says you are. And He says you are His beloved child—uniquely and wonderfully made in His image.

“Beloved child?” Yes. So much so that God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer, die, and rise from the dead for you. If you were the only human being who ever existed, God still would have given His Son for you. You are that loved, that important, that treasured.

When life is chaotic, you can rest in the truth that God sees your struggles and deeply cares for you. As His child, you are invited to bring your worries and burdens to Him in prayer. He is faithful to hear you, and He will answer in His perfect timing.

While you wait on God’s answer, He invites you to remember that He alone is your fortress. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 46:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea… ‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

The storms of life are not eternal. They will not last forever. But God’s love for you is eternal, and He is with you in the chaos. As you navigate life’s storms, hold on to His Word. Pray often. Breathe. Let the love of Jesus take root in your heart as He cultivates patience, perseverance, strength, and wisdom within you.

Trust that His Word will bear fruit in your life.

Amen.

You Are Not Alone—God is With You in Life’s Battles

Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. God is your fortress, your refuge, and your strength. As you seek peace and stability in Him, we’re here to support you through community, prayer, and encouragement.

CG Cares
At Christ Greenfield, we’re committed to equipping and encouraging you as you face life’s challenges. Our CG Cares resources are designed to help you stay rooted in faith, trusting in God’s promises, and finding strength in His presence.


Small Groups: Grow in Faith Together
Victory in life’s storms comes through connection and unity. In a small group, you’ll find encouragement, prayer, and meaningful relationships as you walk together in faith.


Prayer Requests: Lift Your Worries to God
God hears your prayers and cares for your struggles. If you’re feeling weighed down, we would love to pray with and for you. Submit your request below, and our team will lift your needs to God.