Dealing With Stress (1)

There are many reactions to everyday stresses. Some people try to flee the problem, in the hope that the irritation will go away. Some internalize their pressure, seeking to suppress it; however, it usually spills over into some other area. Other people may crumble emotionally, giving way to despair and depression or addictive behaviours.  God’s word teaches us several fundamental principles that can bring us through tough times and even positively benefit our spiritual and emotional well-being in the process. God really does know everything about us, including our name and He lovingly cares about us. 

But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.  I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.  When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.  When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3 MSG)

When we are under stress we would do well to find a realistic view of events.  Sometimes we look at an event as if under a microscope trying to see things which may not even exist. All too often, we increase the pressure of our troubles because we choose to magnify them.  Instead, we need to remember that God knows the end from the beginning and will provide every necessity for today.  We need to allow past events and hurts to go. There’s nothing we can do to change them.  We can, however, allow the reality of what has happened help us understand the pattern of stress we allow in our lives.  When we choose to leave the past behind we can concentrate on today's problems, and with the knowledge we have gained, thank God for His grace as He continues to sustain us.

Therefore, ….let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  (Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV)

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