Ladies Corner
Dealing With Stress
Stress is so common in our lives today that no one can imagine living without it. People seem to walk blindly through life, either not taking the time or not knowing how to deal with the daily problems that consume them.
Stop and think about how God planned things out before he created the world. He knew just what he was going to create and on what day he was going to do it. He also took time to rest. We seem to think we have to do it all in one day. There is a time and place for everything, and there is also a time to say, “No, I can’t do that today.”
Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Depending on the extent of it, stress can cause serious problems to your mind, body, and soul. Not dealing with it in a positive way can create more problems. People need relief from their daily routines that cause stress, but sometimes people make the wrong choices about how to deal with it.
Having a few drinks with friends after work can cause more problems, like getting a DUI. Chatting online with a stranger to let off some steam can cause problems in your relationship. Shopping when you don’t have the extra money can lead to financial problems. All these things can lead to more stress.
First and foremost, we as Christians should keep in mind that in all things we need to please God. There are things we have no control over that cause stress, like changes at work, health problems, and children having problems at school, but the choices we make about how to deal with them can either cause more or less stress.
Like with all things in our lives, we should go to God in prayer and ask for his help and guidance. Do what is right in the eyes of God. Instead of having a few drinks with friends, have a cup of coffee or a walk in the park. Why not talk with your spouse or friend instead of chatting online? Instead of shopping, why not clean out a closet and donate those things to charity or the homeless?
Know what you need to do and how you need to do it. Keep it within reason and know your limits. In other words, have a plan like our Creator. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
In doing these things that are pleasing to God you feel better about yourself and less stressful. Will it make all the stress in your life go away? No, but it is a stress reliever of the best kind.
