Stress can be a brutal thing. It tries to tear you up spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally. It is not all in the head and yet it is in the head.
What causes stress? Interestingly enough stress is not caused by people or situations, it is caused by our reactions to these. The outcome of our reaction is worry – a sin, fear a sin, control – a sin, anger – a sin, questioning your identity in our beloved God – a sin. How then, do we change our approach to a situation that has the propensity to make us sin? Realize that stress is a tool used by the evil one to separate us from our Lord. It makes us doubt our identity and feel a need to take control of that which we should release to the one that created the universe.
Here is an exercise that may help, write out the problem statement, source(s) of your stress, how you feel (e.g. fear, loss of control, anxiety). Underline those feelings and see if any of them are true for a child of God. I am no soothsayer, but I will promise you that none of your feelings that stem from stress define your identity in Him.
How should we react to stress then? Lots of self-help, deep relaxation videos will tell you when to breath in and when to breath out. Yesterday, I was advised to smell my favorite candle. Sometimes, stress hits you without you having time to reach for that candle, what then? Here is my recommendation, pray (my only advice in any situation). Thank God for allowing you to go through the storm holding onto his hand. You have a roadblock/obstacle/challenge that will allow you to be transformed if you let Jesus do his work in you. Nothing for you to do but to set the burden at his feet and hold onto his hand in gratitude for allowing you to exhibit one or all of the blessings of grace, mercy, meekness and servitude that have been showered on us by Him.
Hold fast fellow Christian! you will see that our Lord will make something beautiful out of your situation. Know how powerful and loving our Triune God is. If you do not trust me, trust Apostle Paul in Phil 4:6-7. and my personal favorite, “stay your mind on Him” Isa 26:3.
Dear Lord!
Sorry for letting this situation distract me. I set this burden at your divine feet and pray for strength to look at it as the blessing that will draw me closer to you in prayer and in faith. With you as my protector, I have nothing to fear. Bless me with the good sense to glorify you and praise you through the storm. All glory be yours, now and always. Amen!
