Posted in Cathys Contemplations

De-Stressing

Stress is something the Lord has patiently shown me how to deal with little by little throughout the years though I still need His love reminders to this day. =o) Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from without. I have learned that our response is critical. Our stress levels can run so high that the effects could bring sickness to our physical bodies. Ever had a “stress” related headache? How about stomach aches or muscle cramps? I don’t doubt that a good portion of our illnesses are brought on by high levels of stress. Stress can elevate our blood pressure! I decided to look up the definition for the word stress and I found the best description listed under “mechanics”
a. the action on a body of any system of balanced forces whereby strain or deformation results.
b. the amount of stress, usually measured in pounds per square inch or in pascals.
c. a load, force, or system of forces producing a strain.
d. the internal resistance or reaction of an elastic body to the external forces applied to it.
e. the ratio of force to area.

I say this is the best description because this is “exactly” what it feels like when I’m stressed out! We as Christians know that our adversary, the devil is thrilled to see us stressing out and worrying. As a matter of fact, in those times as the spiritual wickedness hurls those impressions toward our minds, I can just picture them hovering there with a huge pin ready and waiting to pop our strained souls!
When all around me begins to pluck my last nerve, the first thing I do is cry out to the Lord in prayer. This causes hope, even just a little to begin it’s work in us because we know that Jesus, our Lord and Savior hears our pleas. Even if all we can say is “help”, we know He is near and He will begin to answer. His Word is filled with so many, many verses that we can remember when we are stressed. Here is one of them;

Psalm 31: 1-8
1 O Lord, I have come to you for protection;
don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me, for you do what is right.
2 Turn your ear to listen to me;
rescue me quickly.
Be my rock of protection,
a fortress where I will be safe.
3 You are my rock and my fortress.
For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.
4 Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,
for I find protection in you alone.
5 I entrust my spirit into your hand.
Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

6 I hate those who worship worthless idols.
I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
for you have seen my troubles,
and you care about the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not handed me over to my enemies
but have set me in a safe place.

We are told by our Lord in His Word to resist the devil and he will flee. This is what I usually do secondly in a stressful situation. I rebuke and resist him, the devil. Sometimes our own sin natures are to blame as we feed on a diet of worry and fear even when we know this cannot and will not change anything. When we focus on our problems they can grow larger in our minds and therefore larger in life itself!

The third way I like to de-stress is by reading a good book written by a Christian author. This will help take my mind off of whatever is causing the stress.

Number four on my list is;
listening to classical piano pieces and or praise and worship music. I have also found my self cleaning when I am stressed. Listening to Godly men and women speak on my ipod is another great stress reliever for me.

In His Love,


This post originated from a homework assignment as part of the Talk-A-Latte * Organization 911! HELP for the Messy Mom! Seminar Series  * By Cindy Rushton * Come and join us!