Stifling Stress

Last week a young college friend misplaced a notebook with important college work in it and panicked. We've probably all been there. Situations come our way, we react, and before we know it, we've let stress take over. Worry and anxiety make up the other two

in this set of triplets. And, sometimes they come from anticipating what might happen in the future. "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things" (Mattew 6:34a).

This set of triplets (stress, worry, and anxiety) is really a choice we make, although, when we're in a problem situation, we don't usually recognize it. Just like we can choose happiness, we can also choose to not become stressed out. The way we interpret the circumstances and respond to it determines these. Our attitudes are what controls our lives. A little stress can be useful to make us do our best, but we don't want it to take control or get out of hand. It will take a toll on health and can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, mental illness, possibly some cancers, and a multitude of other sickness.

The real cure, as the Bible tells us, is trust in God. The more we trust Him, give Him control, and believe He'll take care of us, the less stress, worry, and anxiety we'll have. This is that peace which passes all understanding the Bible talks of. Do you have it? You can. You just have to really want to turn your whole life and self over to God and ask Him to help. Pray and pray some more.

Some verses to remember (NKJV):
Is anything too hard for the Lord.?
Genesis 18:14a
Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. For he shall give His angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm:91:9-11
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Psalm 118:6
For the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
Deuteronomy 20:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

Stressed out, worried, anxious? Turn to God and keep your focus on Him.