Everybody is going to stress out about something at some point or another. It is what you do with that stress that will either make you or break you.
I believe that God doesn’t want us as Christians to stress. He wants us to enjoy life and be happy in our service to Him.
What is Stress? Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.
Stress is a mental issue that starts to affect your physical health and your outlook on life if not taken care of.
Stress is an individual emotion that you end up taking out on those around you. You cannot let other people and circumstances affect you in such a way that you become stressed out.
God has given us some simple steps on how to live a stress free life. Notice I said stress-free life, not problem-free life. We will always have problems in life, but if we learn to “let go and let God” we will not be stressed out over those problems.
Let’s look at three things to having a stress-free life.
1. Be Positive
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4
The first step to having no stress is be positive. God tells us to rejoice and than He says after you rejoice, rejoice again. I have never seen a negative person full of joy and I have never seen a stressed out person full of joy. Stop for a moment and look at your life and see everything you are blessed with. Whenever I think I have it rough, I remind myself that someone, somewhere is worse off than I am. If God has blessed you with salvation, you have no reason to stress yet every reason to rejoice. I could go on and on with reasons to rejoice but it all comes down to what you are looking at and what you are letting affect you in your life. If you want to focus on the things that cause you stress than go ahead, but I’m telling you that when you turn your eyes on God and look on all His blessings you will forget why you are stressed because you will be rejoicing in the goodness of God.
Be Positive!!!
2. Be Prayerful
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
The second thing we need to do is pray. Pray and ask God for help through the stressful times. God wants to help you, He is waiting for you to ask! Too many times, the Christian tries to shoulder the heavy load in this world when the Lord said to cast your cares upon Him. Praying and asking the Lord for help is probably the best stress reliever there is.
3. Have a Proper mindset
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
When I read this verse, I think of the Word of God, I think of the Bible. It is a true Book, a honest Book, a just Book, a pure Book, a lovely Book, it is a Book of good report, it is full of virtue and praise. If you fill your mind with the Word of God, stress will have no room. The proper mindset, thinking on the things of God, is an absolute must to rid yourself of stress. When you think more on your problems and issues that you are going through than on the Word of God, you will end up being stressed.
Do you want a stress-free life?
Be Positive!
Be Prayerful!
Have the Proper mindset!
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Counted Faithful 