Stress

Nobody likes to feel stress.

Quite often. we find our jobs are a source of stress.

At times, even family and friends can cause us stress.

Even other pressures like the economy, politics or even the news can cause us to feel stress.

The dictionary defines stress as a noun in two ways.

The one we are familiar with is “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.”

Another is the “pressure or tension exerted on a material object.”

It’s easy to see how the second definition lent itself to the first.

Most of the time, the source of our stress is external.

But, there are times when we put undue stress upon ourselves.

At the end of the day, stress is what results when we feel that we are no longer in control of our lives.

Stress is what we feel when it appears that other people or circumstances are in control.

From a Christian perspective, control, as we often see it, is an illusion to begin with.

We tend to hold on to the steering wheel of our lives tightly with both hands.

When we do, we lose sight of the fact that it is God who is really in control.

Luke 12:29-31 (NET) - So do not be overly concerned about what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about such things. For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, pursue his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Once we acknowledge that God is in control, stress loses its hold upon us.

We may even wonder why did not let go sooner.

Perhaps my favorite reminder of God’s dominion comes from the 23^rd Psalm.

Psalm 23:4 (NET) - Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me

Our lives are transformed for the better once we acknowledge this.

It is even possible that others may see our calmness in the storm and desire it for themselves.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 8, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, February 15, 2019