"In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure." Isaiah 33:6 NLT
Living a stress free life is impossible.
Women report they experience stress because of the
following reasons: contradictory feelings, changing expectations, new freedoms
but fewer options, guilt over working outside the home, too much to do with too
little time, fatigue, boredom, unrealistic expectations, role conflicts, and
pressures from the workplace. The top five stressors reported by women were
death of a spouse, divorce, marriage, death of a family member, and being fired
from their job.
For men, the four major stressors concern their
bodies, careers, families, and personal issues. Though men and women face
similar stressors, men seem to handle them in an unhealthier manner. Symptoms
that show up as men age are high blood pressure, body aches, ulcers, heartburn,
and headache. Statistically, they also die earlier than women. (Wright, H
Norman. Winning over Your Emotions) The nation of Israel faced her own set of
stressors-many brought on by their repeated disobedience to God. God often used
pagan nations to correct their wayward behavior, but He also assured Israel of
His love and protection when they obeyed.
Small doses of stress are good. They get my adrenaline
flowing and propel me into actions that can benefit me, my church, my community,
and even the world. A life completely free of stressors would be boring and
uneventful. Too many stressors-or the wrong type, can inflict emotional,
physical, and spiritual pain-leading to my detriment.
A correct view of God helps control stress. God is not
a distant deity who has no concerns for the events in my life. He walks beside
me, lives within me, and wants to direct my paths to an abundant life. But I
must give Him control and believe He is in control.
Building time to relax into my schedule is also
important. Opportunities to serve God and others abound, but I can't take
advantage of them all. Asking God which ones He wants me to snatch is important.
As Jesus took time to relax, I must also have time left over for my family and
myself.
Re-evaluating the view I have of myself is essential.
The why of what I'm doing that's leading to stress is more important than what
I'm doing. If there are ulterior motives involved, stress is sure to accumulate.
Don't let stress conquer you; let God help you conquer
it.
Prayer: Father, give us life guidance so our bodies
will not be conquered by the ill effects of stress.
Martin Wiles Hodges, South Carolina, USA
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