"Habitually Overwhelmed"

by Pastor Ben Dolby

Greetings in Christ Jesus, beloved All Saints family. How is life treating you in these early weeks of summer? It’s hard to believe we are already in the first weeks of summer. 

I had grand plans for some personal growth this summer. There was an idea that crossed my mind during the busy Lenten season that I decided to pursue once summer arrived, and life finally slows down. The idea was to “brush up” on my Hebrew by making time for it during my daily devotions. My dream was to add that new wrinkle to my daily routine on June 1st, and now the calendar is turning over to July. I’m not quite sure where the previous month went but I know it has been a very busy June.

The truth is, I am habitually overwhelmed, and I’ve been discouraged at not being able to change that. If that sentiment resonates with you, I pray this devotional reflection brings you strength by the power of God’s Word through the working of his Holy Spirit.

“Old habits die hard” is a saying familiar to many of us. I recently learned its origins could be connected to one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). There is debate it may be from several centuries earlier, in the 1300’s. When I reflect on this phrase, I see how hard it has been to adjust my routine, even with something as good as daily devotions!

Instead of lamenting over expectations I haven’t met for myself, the Holy Spirit has helped draw my mind and heart to the words he gives Saint Paul in Romans chapter 6, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Chris Jesus were baptized into his death We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. – Romans 6:3-4

Recognizing I am habitually overwhelmed provides the opportunity for God to reset my personal expectations and put down my favorite idol…myself. Old habits die hard and I need God’s help. I am learning yet again, that I need to be dependent on God’s strength rather than my own failing ways. I need to remember my baptism. Thanks be to God he helps me through his gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and grace; all are gifts I desperately need often…daily even.

Here’s a reflection I heard at the Spring Pastors Conference in Sequim, WA. “Luther said the Old Adam is a mighty swimmer, so you need to dunk his head back under the surface every day. Daily drowning the Old Adam.” When he’s addressing our sinful nature, I always find Luther’s blunt, straightforward manner hilarious and reassuring.

How are you going to pray for God’s guidance the rest of this summer? I pray your summer begins with a new or renewed time in daily devotions and dunking the Old Adam. Remember God is always ready to help you and give you his eternal gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and grace. When, not if, when you are habitually overwhelmed – remember your baptism!

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Dolby