Get a Handle on Stress

Hello My Dear Sisters! Since we now know how chronic stress impairs our mental health, we can take action to effectively manage it and restore us to a healthy balance. Today we will share some amazingly simple and effective strategies you can engage in to help you triumph over stress! 

Here are 3 Strategies for Handling Stress        
#1 Eliminate some of the stress. Remember, stress is not inherently bad. We want the right type and amount of pressure, as well as the right perspective on that pressure, so we can mature! (2 Corinthians 4:17). However, there is pressure that is unproductive in our lives, in that it works to distract and hinder us from entering into God’s design for our lives. (Hebrews 12:1). It is the kind of pressure that creates unfruitful sorrow. (2 Corinthians 7:10). Surrender your life to God-all the seconds of it- and ask Him to help you see where there is unnecessary pressure. You want to interrogate the following things:

• Where (physical locations) are you spending your time? Why? The WHY is always a heart matter. So no surface answers.
• What are you doing with your time? What actions are you carrying out? Why? The WHY is always a heart matter. So no surface answers.
• With whom are you spending time? Why? The WHY is always a heart matter. So no surface answers.

If the answers to any of these questions proves to work against God’s purpose of making you more like Jesus-a person bearing His character-then you’ve found a place where God Himself will fight for you! (Romans 8:29, Galatians 5:22 - 23 and 1 Corinthians 13).  Cut it out and don’t look back. Not sure what things are in opposition to the work of God in your life? Read Colossians 3:5 and Galatians 5:19 - 21.

A good place to start seeking divine wisdom is in the sphere of relationships, as they can be a major source of stress! Check out the following resources for support in growing in Biblical wisdom with respect to relationships:

• Relational Intelligence by Dharius Daniels
• Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud
• Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage and Sex by Michael Todd

#2 Meditate to reframe your thinking. When your thoughts are spiraling down a negative path, STOP and RESET your mind on things that are above, where our life is hidden with Christ. (Colossians 3:3 and Philippians 4:8) Meditation is the ancient (and still relevant) Biblical instruction, inviting us to think deeply and consistently on the Word of God, with the promise that our lives will be blessed. Read Psalms 1 and 119. 
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Further Resource: 6 Ways to Meditate with Scripture to Help Relieve Anxiety.

Get started with this wonderful Scripture meditation set to harp music:

#3 Don’t despise your limitations. You are not failing when you can’t do it all. You are only proving you belong to the human race. And contrary to common teaching, all your limitations are not a result of living in a fallen world. We were limited in Eden too. Before the fall, we were dearly loved creatures under the covering of the only being who lacks nothing-God. (Genesis 1 - 2). Embracing the reality of your limitations is to embrace the truth and make room for God’s strength to reign in your life. 

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;  courage to change the things I can;  and wisdom to know the difference.   Living one day at a time;  enjoying one moment at a time;  accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;  taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;  trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;  that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. 
​ Amen. 
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

​Happy Temple Building!