What I Learned from Stress

stressed and worried
photo credit: Bhernandez

Stress. We all deal with it on a regular basis.

Some stress is good. Right now, I’m stressed as I plan my book launch party and schedule my blog book tour … and wonder if anyone will buy my book. That stress pushes me to be more productive so the launch of Dream or Destiny is a success.

Some stress is not good. In fact, it can be downright bad for both our emotional and physical health. Worry about the current economic crisis. Trying to meet unreasonable demands from clients. Computer crashes. Natural disasters. The death of a loved one. The breakup of a relationship. And on and on and on.

We can’t eliminate stress from our lives, and we can’t ensure that all stress will be good. We can, however, choose how to respond to stress. We can let it destroy our health and well-being or we can respond with resilience.

When I find myself getting frazzled over things that are beyond my control, I know that it’s time to recharge my spiritual batteries. I need to turn to God—to read His Word and talk to Him in prayer. Even in the most stressful situations, He will give me His peace that passes understanding.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

O MOST loving Father, who willest us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of thee, and to cast all our care on thee, who carest for us; Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, give us thy peace that passes understanding, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which thou hast manifested unto us in thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This post is an entry in the What I Learned from Stress group writing project at Middle Zone Musings.

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