Transformed- Physical Health

Every season of life seems to come with various potential stressors. Whether you’re a mom feeling burdened by the many responsibilities of parenting and working, a student struggling to earn good grades while balancing a job and school, or a retiree battling illness, we all face obstacles in life that can bring us stress. However, allowing these things to seep into our thoughts, emotions, and actions can be detrimental to our physical well-being. Stress is incredibly taxing and can leave us feeling defeated.

As someone who tends to err on the side of negativity, I have to be so careful in regard to stress. Although eliminating the stressor(s) is not always an option, I’ve learned that there are healthy ways to deal with stress, as well as unhealthy ways. Last Sunday, Pastor Aaron listed 7 ways to reduce stress in our lives, and I think they all go hand in hand.

7 THINGS THAT HELP TO REDUCE STRESS:

1.       Look to God for your needs.

2.       Obey God’s instruction about rest.

3.       Recharge your soul with beauty.

4.       Go to God for guidance.

5.       Trust God in the dark alleys.

6.       Let God be your defender.

7.       Expect God to finish what He starts in you.

Each of these has a common theme. God. You see, sometimes I think we forget that God is present amidst our stress. Furthermore, when we look to Him, He brings us rest.

Not too long ago, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed with school, work, and finances. I found myself focusing on the worries, which in turn, spilled into my thoughts and speech. In a conversation with my mom one day, she asked me, “Have you prayed about this?” Although it’s a simple question, it was exactly what I needed to hear. In the stresses of life, I had tried to fight on my own.  However, God was right there all along. I just didn’t see Him.

God meets the needs of those who love Him. God gives us rest. God has created beauty all around us to bring us tranquility. God can guide us through our struggles. God can comfort us through painful times. God defends us when we are weak. God has a plan through the stress, and He wants to continue a work in us. Are you willing to invite Him in? 

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant

Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant