Psalms 120:1 In my troubles, I pled with GOD to help me and HE did! [Living Bible]
Psalms 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD. HE will carry them. [Living Bible]
Psalms 18:28 My GOD turns my darkness into light. [New International translation]
Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in YOU. [New International translation]
1 Peter 5:7 Let HIM have all your worries and cares, for HE is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. [Living Bible translation]
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell GOD your needs and don’t forget to thank HIM for HIS answers. [Living Bible]
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with GOD. [New International translation.]
Psalms 119:105 THY WORD is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. [Revised Standard translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
The greatest weapon against STRESS is the word of God.
The GREATEST WEAPON against STRESS is THE WORD of GOD.
THE GREATEST WEAPON AGAINST stress IS THE WORD OF GOD.
THE GREATEST WEAPONagainst streeIS THE WORD OF GOD.
FOCUS on GOD and GOD’s WORD
If we are not careful, stressful events can seem “bigger than life.” This is especially so, when we are caught in the grip of anxiety, fear, insecurity, doubt, depression or worry---often caused by stress events.
Constantly hearing talk about how stressful the world seems to be, (e.g., war, nuclear threats, hunger, hurricanes, earthquakes, riots, hatred, prejudice, crime, bullying, difficult workplaces, difficult school settings, homelessness, injustices in numerous settings and dissention in homes, churches, government, and unease in so many people’s minds “about the future”), it is easy to lose “prospective.”
Reading the WORD OF GOD and meditating on scriptures like those listed above help us put things back in their proper “spiritual perspective” because stress and stressful events are not and never will be bigger than GOD. So, think about GOD and less about stress. Talk about GOD and less about stress. Make a conscious decision to let GOD handle everything and just have a stress free day tomorrow.
Reinforcing our minds and hearts with scripture, like those above. If you find yourself falling into the “old trap” of stress thinking, negative thinking or entertaining those energy sapping twin mind guests “fear” or “worry,” just repeat one of the scriptures above or sit down and write one of the scriptures on a small index card and keep it nearby, so you can occasionally look at it during the day. Don’t let stress become your “best friend.” Make it very clear that the “relationship” is over! And then, you move on! Refuse to continue to talk about, think about, or be held mentally captive by your “ex” mental “roommate” stress.
If you need further help, thinking about what GOD can do and what GOD has done in the past. Read about the lives of others who GOD has transformed. Read and study some of the biblical “warriors” who battled stress and won, like Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Job, Esther, Ruth, Joseph, Rahab and Deborah. Read about the life and ministry of JESUS.
THE WORD OF GOD, is a transformative, portable, living, dynamic, healing, SPIRIT filled WORD.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
There are a number of ways to manage stress. Sometimes it may be as simple as “getting out of your own head” for a while. Sometimes reading about the life of others can be helpful. Most libraries have biography sections, filled with books about the life of other people, who want to share their story. February is “Black History Month,” so there is likely to be a great number of books for all ages about inspiring Black leaders and individuals, who overcame hardships and obstacles in their lives. Stop by your local library or bookstore and ask about the biographies of Black authors, including books by Richard Wright, Harriet Tubman, Carter G. Woodson; Mae Jemison, Thurgood Marshall, Maya Angelou or Fannie Lou Hamer, whose famous words “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired” were etched in her tombstone.
Exercise is another way many learn to manage stress or leave it behind.
According to the Mayo Clinic in “Exercise and Stress: Get moving to manage stress,” exercise in almost any form can help to manage stress. When you exercise it pumps up your endorphins. Endorphins are released from the pituitary gland of the brain and are associated with feelings of pleasure, pain relief, motivation, pleasure or euphoria. They are released during times of strenuous or a rousing exercise.
Focusing on an exercise task, can often make you more energized and more optimistic.
Some breathing type exercises that reduce stress and muscle tension for relaxation include: Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Qong and Pilates.
More high energy type activities may include: Martial Arts, basketball, racketball, tennis, running, dancing, spinning or other aerobic exercises.
If you don’t want a formal exercise program, just getting moving will help. For example, gardening, walking around the block, taking a stroll through the park, taking the stairs during your lunch break, performing a few stretching exercises (like head rolls, shoulder shrugs, raising your hands above your head, trying to clasp your fingers behind your back, making circles with your arms and hands, even while sitting in a chair) can help.
If you have a medical condition, speak with your personal physician to determine what exercises are right for you or about your mental and physical health.
DON’T BE TROUBLED
JESUS said:
Let not your heart be troubled; believe in GOD, believe also in ME.
(John 14:1)
The WORD of GOD assures us that we don’t have to be troubled. We don’t have to succumb to stress. Study. Read. Meditate on scripture. Pray. Move. Trust GOD.
Believe and BE BLESSED.
