We all
experience stress, pressure, despair, dread, and discomfort at one time or
another in our lives. It can hit you on the most relaxed beach; it can hit you while
overlooking a beautiful green pasture; it can hit you at the funeral of a loved
one; and it can even hit you in the comfort of your own secure home.
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| Out of a Train Window A Beautiful Farmland between The Hague, The Netherlands and Brussels, Belgium Photo Credit: Copyright GreeneFamily |
No matter how or
why it hits, it can last for days, weeks, months, and/or years. Your blood
pressure might rise, your heart might flutter, or you may overeat or starve
yourself. The pangs of stress might even cause an uncontrollable panic. But, despite
what you experience or how you react to the stresses in your life, remember
that God knows exactly what you are going through. He knows and understands the
circumstances surrounding your present-day state of anxiety. He really does.
It may be
difficult, almost impossible, to sense His presence. But Scripture promises us
that God is omnipresent meaning He is always with us. He is also omnipotent
meaning His power can lift us out of the violent stressors we are presently
enduring. If we can remember those two principles we can rest assured that soon
we will be out of our pit.
Resting in Him
isn’t easy at this point. It may be a season you must go through to learn some
mighty truths from Him or a situation you must plow through so you can be used
in service to others. In John 10:14-15, Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep." If Jesus loves us enough to lay down his life for us, He loves us enough to see us through whatever situation we find ourselves in until a point of rest.
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| Out of a Train Window A Beautiful Field where Sheep are Grazing between The Hague, Netherlands and Brussels, Belgium Photo Credit: Copyright GreeneFamily |
Today, just
imagine God wrapping His loving arms around you, comforting you. Ask Him to
allow you to see your present trial through His eyes. Exhale your stress and
inhale God’s love, peace, and presence right now.
And, if your stress becomes unbearable, please visit a physician and discuss your situation with him or her. God can and many times does work through the medical profession.
And, if your stress becomes unbearable, please visit a physician and discuss your situation with him or her. God can and many times does work through the medical profession.
God Bless You,
Patti
Bible Verses:
As pressure and
stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Your laws are always
right; help me to understand them so I may live. Psalm 119:143-145 ESV
Come to me, all
who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV
Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let
not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV
Prayer:
Lord, please let
me always be aware of your special presence. Help me know and feel that that
you are there guiding me and giving me directions in all situations. Grant me the
faith needed to know that you are always right there beside me. As stress is
overwhelming me today, allow me to give all my current hardships to you - knowing
that you always see the big picture and know what is best for me. In Jesus’
Name. Amen.
“Feeling Stressed.” Girls Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2015.
Books by Patti Londa
Greene: Awaken Me: a
devotional prayer journal and God, and God, It’s Me: 181 Days for
Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study
[Second edition books
will be out shortly. If you would like to order one of these books, email me
and I will arrange one to be mailed to you as soon as possible.]
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