There’s one Bible verse that my mom always quoted more than the rest: When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2).

She would usually remind me of it when I was worrying about something, which I tended to do a lot. I would worry about my grades, choosing the right college, never getting enough driving hours in to actually obtain a driver license ….

In retrospect, my teen woes sound pretty silly. But the truth is, I haven’t changed that much. I still often find my heart overwhelmed, whether it’s by divisive politics and the evils of the world, or trying to save enough money and get the laundry done.

It’s like I can’t catch a breath. A break. All I catch are waves in the face, just when I think I’ve got my head above water.

But as my heart starts sinking under the weight of worry, Mom’s words — King David’s words — come floating my way. The verse is a true lifesaver, and usually one I didn’t even think to ask for.

Everyone Needs a Lifesaver

What has your heart overwhelmed these days? Is it the death of a loved one? Money problems? Current events? An overloaded schedule?

Different things overwhelm our hearts at different times. Some are big. Others, put into perspective, are small.

But when you’re the one getting hit in the face by those waves, you’re not really thinking about the size of the waves. You’re just trying to breathe.

The good news is that even though the waves may change, the rock never will. He stands above any wave that comes crashing your way, no matter the size, and all you have to do is cling to him.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.  I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. (Psalm 61:3-4)

He is Higher

Sometimes though, we still try to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We growl “I can do this myself!” through gritted teeth, when it is neither our responsibility nor in our ability to do so.

You and I were never made to carry our burdens alone. So why keep struggling when complete freedom is available? Freedom from the waves, the weight, the world?

When we focus on the mess — whether it’s the mess around us or the mess in our own hearts, it’s easy to forget that God is higher. He’s above it all, and yet he dives right down into the middle of it to pull us up. He offers us a solid place to stand, a constant shelter in which to abide, and freedom for our overwhelmed hearts.

So when your heart is overwhelmed, look to the rock. Let him grab your hand and guide you to a sturdier place — a place where he is in control.

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

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.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.

He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

— Psalm 61