Are financial pressures, job stresses, family problems or other challenges weighing you down? Have you ever thought to yourself or even said, “This is too much!! I can’t handle this! I am going to CRACK under the pressure!” I have!! In fact, I remember having a long monologue with the Lord describing how certain things were too hard for me to deal with!!! Then, the still small voice inside me affirmed to me who I am in Him and who He is in my life, which brought peace to my soul. So today, I want to share with you 3 keys to handling stress:
#1 | Identify Your Identity – Recognize the beauty of who you are
During prayer, one of the first things I heard was, ” You are not gonna crack. You are not an egg.” I chuckled, but it made perfect sense. There are times when we just need to be reminded of our identity in Christ. The Bible says in Genesis 1:26 that we are made in the image and likeness of God. We are children of the Most High God! He has put qualities in us such as courage, tenacity, and perseverance. Everything that we need to not only survive, but thrive, is already inside us. The Word of God says we are more than CONQUERORS through Him and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! (Romans 8:37) (Philippians 4:13) We have the ability to do more, be more, and have more than we could ever dream possible!
#2 | Redirect Thoughts – Focus your attention on something different
When we are going through a difficult time, we have a propensity to focus on the predicament instead of the solution, and to dwell on the problem instead of the Problem Solver. Like a broken record or an audio loop, the dilemma is played repeatedly in our heads. Although thoughts are random, we have a choice to allow them to simmer in our mind or replace them with more productive, fruitful thoughts. Isaiah 26:3 says that He will keep us in perfect peace if our mind is stayed on Him, and a “Think Tank checklist” is provided in Philippians 4:8. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Let’s begin to really think about what we are thinking about!
#3 | Establish Balance – Nourish your spirit, soul, & body
Lastly, stress affects every aspect of our well-being – spirit, soul, and body. Studies have shown that trauma and stress can contribute to issues like headaches, change in appetite, high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, and so much more. Therefore, stress relieving exercises should target the various areas to build stamina for whatever life throws our way. For example, incorporating good nutrition, exercise, and rest yields a healthy body and mental clarity. Establishing relationships with supportive and encouraging people evokes positive energy and optimism. Prayer and reading Scripture releases renewal and strength to our innermost being. Lastly, taking a holistic approach to stress-management assists in creating a resilient, happier life! Paul exhorts in I Thessalonians 5:23, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”