
The stress that we often face in today's world can lead to extreme anxiety, a condition which can adversely impact our health, our judgment and even our behavior. The human body can adapt to many things, including a certain amount of stress for which it is prepared, but when that level reaches overload the result can be devastating. It can lead to losing a job, losing self-control under pressure and even losing our very life through resultant disease. It is therefore very important that we learn to control stress in trying times, something that is by no means easy. We need help.
Some think that the total solution can be found in medication and medical treatment. Others believe that a good exercise regimen as well as periods of silence and meditation to soothing music works. And certainly both of those can play a part in eliminating stress to the degree that anxiety can be controlled.
But how about one other ingredient, an ingredient that has been available for the ages but one which we often forget? How about taking your stress and anxiety to God in prayer? Faith has amazing curative powers, it can allow us to find peace and comfort and we can do so through, in the words of the Apostle Paul, "prayer and supplication with thanksgiving". To pray with supplication means to totally humble yourself before God by having a one on one conversation with Him, offering thanks for His guidance and the life He gives while also expressing your concerns and asking for His direct help.
It only makes sense. Since God is our Creator and He knows all things, He also knows everything about us including how and why we become stressed. And He wants to help us but expects us to approach Him since we have the free will to make choices. Finding a special place for meeting with Him, a place where we can clearly focus on Him will afford us the opportunity to pour out our heart in a way that will clear the stress and teach how to relieve the pressures of the modern world. And it doesn't cost anything, just time and humility.
Think about it the next time you are on emotional overload and give Him the chance to help you see your way through whatever is troubling you. God is, indeed, a miracle worker.
Dear Lord: We thank you for your love and grace and for always being here for us. Help us to maintain a constant conversation with you as our Father, telling you of our joys and our sorrows and asking you for the help we need when we face anxiety. Let us calm ourselves and find peace knowing that only you can truly resolve our issues in life and that through you we may find eternal rest. In Christ's name we ask, Amen.
Have a great Sunday, everyone.