God's Remedy for Stress
Does your life teeter on the brink of physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion? One more interruption or delay, one more problem may send you tumbling over the edge?
We try to juggle the demands of home, church, work and family life, but often in the process become worn out, stressed out, and eventually we can burn out.
Stress not only dampens our spirits and frazzles our nerves, but the constant rush of adrenaline over stimulates the heart and can weaken the immune system, leaving us prone to more illnesses and stress-related problems.
God's Remedy for Stress
Look for what God is up to (James 1:2-4).
One of the best antidotes to stress is seeing God's purposes in the difficulties he allows in our lives. James counsels us that we are to consider it all joy when we face trials of various kinds, because they will produce something good in us. The "good" God wants to do is to conform us to the image of Christ. He may use certain situations to develop one of the fruits of the Spirit in us.
Knowing that God uses every situation, even the petty, irritating situations of life, to teach us to become more like Jesus. Helps us to feel less stressed by things we cannot control. Also ...
Take time each day to be alone with Jesus (Psalm 46:10).
Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:12).
Live Intentionally (Psalm 90:12).
Remember your limits (Psalm 103:14).
Cultivate a thankful heart (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Stress can affect the body, mind and spirit. We need to pay attention to each area to reduce the effects of stress on our overall well-being. If we do not learn to control stress, it will eventually control us. To protect our bodies, we need to get adequate rest, exercise regularly, eat well, and learn to breathe deeply. To protect our minds, we should think truthfully, refuse to make mountains out of molehills, and set priorities. Finally, to protect our spirits, we need to mediate on God and his Word, learn to trust God, and pray without ceasing.
- Leslie Vernick,
PA 18051
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