Stess

Good News 020420 Stress 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving,

present your requests to God"

(Philippians 4:6NIV). 

            Stress is becoming an American, if not a worldwide tradition; part of our lifestyle. We often go through our week wound up like a rubber band that has been twisted tighter and tighter. However, we all recognize that the rubber band eventually breaks when it is wound too tight or stressed too long; it snaps! We are certainly a higher life form than a rubber band; however are we also may snap when over stressed.

                        We all need a way of unwinding during the most stressed of times. Mine is by writing "Good News" to people that I care about. Yours may be different; many exercise, some use meditation, often we a chat with a friend or read. There are many ways to release stress. In Paul's writings to the Philippians 4: 8 & 9, he suggests that Faith is a tool to help us. 

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—

put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." 

Focus for Today: Today let us focus selfishly on ourselves. Let's feel the peace and presence of God in our lives. When the "stress monster" wants to control our lives, let's read this passage and let "the peace of God" into our lives. As Christians we deserve peace. 

Prayer for Today:  Heavenly father, the world seems to be a breeding ground for stress. Everywhere we look there is something to worry about; terror, hate, employment troubles, stock market woes- even severe weather. Today we pray that we may keep you and peace in our thoughts, that we have the presence of mind to make wise choices and release our stresses to find tranquility.

Amen