Stress is Part of Life in this Journey

Growing up exercising in sports, I often would hear the phrase, “no pain no gain”. Supposedly the more it hurt the more I could progress and be stronger or a better athlete when working out. Im not sure how much truth is in that phrase, but I do know life is not void of tension and stress. Just ask any mother who has given childbirth. Or parents raising there children have a boat load of stress. Trying to provide the basics such as food, clothing, shelter, etc. Finacial stress, paying for tuition.
Students stressing out over the difficult tests or research paper with a deadline. To avoid stress we try to put things off, procrastinating, or make excuses, avoiding what we must face. Some look to medication, drugs, or alcohol to get them through, but only come to realize these vices complicate the matter even more.

A car accident can cause a lot of stress. Injuries, no car, how can I get another vehicle, etc. Unexpected financial burdens, getting deeper in debt, racking up high interest credit cards.
There are times we just have no control over the situation!

Stress defined in the Oxford dictionary:

1. Pressure or tension exerted on a material object.
   “the distribution of stress is uniform across the bar”
   Similar: pressure
   tension, strain,
   tightness, tautness
   tensity.
2. A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.
   “he’s obviously under a lot of stress”

Stress is part of life for all of us. It can cause havoc in our lives like worrying, depression, chronic sickness, overeating, divide our mind and thought process, not thinking clearly, etc. Stress can even cause a nervous breakdown and a person snaps. You cannot fix everything! You are human, and humans are fragile and have needs. God made us this way. “Life is fragile handle with prayer!”

We must learn the skills to cope with tension, anxiety, and stress.Obviously, there are different chapters of stress in life and not all stress is negative or bad. Like lifting weights, exercising at first its hard, but keep persevering and you see results being stronger and healthier.
Stress is inevitable in life and we all try to avoid it don’t we?

• Releasing the stress or circumstances to God in prayer is the best thing we can do and not to run from it. The Lord gives us the strength to face our stresses. I’m reminded of a poster with a landscape of huge mountains I have had in my bedroom in the past. ” Do not pray for an easy life, but pray to be strong”. God is a source of supernatural strength because he gives us His grace and the power within by His Spirit.
Prayer is a source of strength we can take with us anywhere we go! “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you”.
1 Peter 5:7

• Counsel or speak with a trusted friend, spouse, pastor, counselor. Be real with your children. Listen to them, but allow them to work out some of their stress too. This helps in the long run for them and matures them as young adults.
• Take care of yourself healthwise.
  Eat right, exercise, even if it for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Get involved in a positive support group where each of you relate to similar circumstances.
• Read the Word of God or a biblically spiritual devotional for inner peace and inspiration.
• Maybe you know someone who is defeated and out of control due to stress and anxiety. You may be able to help them with a need or financial gift. Be a blessing to others.
  Bear one another’s burdens.
• Find a quiet space and meditate on God and His marvelous creation. I love watching nature like mountains, waterfalls, lakes, the ocean. A quiet beach, etc.
• Try to get on a retreat for 1 to 3 days with a Christian group or a sports adventure.

Finally, take action my friend and get the help you need. It will be so rewarding when you look back.
Jesus knows everything that you are facing so allow the Prince of Peace to give you peace today. May you find peace and rest this Labor Day weekend.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock”.
Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your soul.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT