Who does not have worry, stress, or anxiety at least momentarily? It is a human inclination, normal natural experience. How does it get out of hand and take over, or rob us of joy?
The exact answer would be as varied as the people and scenarios. Circumstances? Un-defined, or uncontrolled boundaries? Poor decisions? Intrusive, bothersome people? Pressure to accomplish, learn or achieve? Unmet needs? Life disappointments? Illness or death? Someone you love or care about is hurting? Comparisons or pride? Wanting to be perfect? People pleaser? Time management? Finances? Undesirable reactions to others or by others? Lack of confidence or insecurities? It seems the list of reasons could go on forever.
Many of us could answer yes to any of those characteristics if evaluating our own life. The human experience is quite shared, and is one that our Lord was/is intimately familiar with, as well as the people of Bible times.
Luke 12:25-26 (this is the don't worry passage)
25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
How blessed we are that the Bible gives us wisdom to apply, wisdom inspired by God, powerful, and preserved for us! I truly believe that living, even managing life and stress gets easier as we learn, grow, and apply Bible wisdom in our hearts and minds, and as we fellowship (to benefit from edification by the group of believers) through travel together in this Christian journey. Would you join us for a study, a mission to equip ladies of today against WORRY, STRESS, ANXIETY? Let's discuss the ANSWERS.
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disclaimer inserted: Please understand that as I seek to write an ANSWER to this huge issue, I do not pretend to have it all under control or to be master of this beast. I am still in the battle and my battle is sometimes huge and scary in my mind and body. I am not a doctor. I am not a scholarly authority on anything that I discuss or propose here. I am simply a fellow traveler, one still in this battle myself with 5 decades experience, sometimes winning, sometimes loosing, but believing with every fiber of my being, that I am on the winning side when I align myself with God in Christ. Other beloved sisters consulted and credited.
...Foundational Principles...
Aside from the specific answers that would (again) be about as varied as the scenarios, some basic foundational principles need to be understood. Quotes are from King James Version unless otherwise noted. Copied and pasted from biblegateway.com:
How GREAT is God's LOVE?
God is good. He cares, and He is our strength and our rock. He rewards our efforts, and His LOVE for us, His creation is wonderfully unfathomable by human measurements.
Psalm 136:26
26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Isaiah 49:15-16
15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
1 John 3:1
3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1 John 4:8-10
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Romans 5:8
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:14-19
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
He gives us free will, and it is our responsibility to practice a positive attitude through what ever life throws at us.
Attitude Effects Altitude !
Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Know Your Worth and Heritage
If we put God first, and pursue living for His purposes, His value system, then we will be blessed, rewarded, favored. It is imperative that Christians know their identity!These posts link to more scripture to support above:
2 Chronicles 16-17 Devotional
Psalm 1-2 Devotional
Your Identity in Christ Will Make You Smile
We Have a Holy Help with US!
He has equipped us to do what He calls us to do, not only in talent, but also He gives the Holy Spirit as Helper...1 Corinthians 3:16
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 Corinthians 6:19
19 What? know ye not that your body. is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Prayer and Fellowship is in the Plan!2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Prayer and fasting are super cool tools in our life battles against whatever worry or stress is in our path:
~pray anytime, anywhere, about anything
~pray aloud or silently in your thoughts
~pray alone, or pray cooperately
~share prayer requests
~pray for self, others, visible matters, invisible (principalities)
~pray spontaneously from your heart, pray written and planned prayers
Studies on prayer, here:
Matthew 6 Study
Survey and Study of Prayer
Wisdom in a multitude of counselors! Fellowship, and do not be shy to ask for help, counsel, or tips from believers who share your value system, and whom you respect.
Proverbs 11:14
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
1 John 1:7
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
In Summary
Sharpen your focus, on Him, your relationship with Him. In that path, we are in position for rewards and when when we ponder God's amazing blessings, His love, mercy, grace, faithfulness, then worries and stress will lighten in weight, and His glorious light and HOPE will shine. Fruits of the Holy Spirit will grow, and THAT is the answer to our worry and stress here on earth. We must choose to focus on the good and positive and invest our trust fully in our Lord, seeking His path for our days, not circumstances of this world. Fellowship, prayer, positive attitude, Bible-study, pursuit of God, is the right way!
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Other Practical Possibilities to Reduce Stress:
*Scripture posted in your home and work place.
*Listen to Christian music.
*Adopt a Christian mantra or Bible scripture to meditate on.Push worries or negative thoughts aside and focus on your positive Christian message.
* Talk to friend or respected loved one.
* Run, exercise.
* Make to-do lists and GET 'er DONE.
* Find someone who needs your help, or a visit from you, and serve with love.
* Bake cookies or pick flowers to take to a shut-in.
* Do a phone or text check on someone that is on your heart and mind.
* Pursue a creative endeavor!
*Try Bible journaling or bullet journaling.
* Light candles and read book of Psalms!
* Simplify. Determine what stressors you can let of or get rid of. It is OK to say "no."
* Love on or dote on your pets.
* Do something extra fun with your kiddos.
* Organize a babysitting co-op with most trusted family/friends, to open more hours in your schedule...
Perhaps this article on Advice from Older Women, would interest you now? A good ol' visit with a wise older woman can be good for the soul, and here is some sage Advice from Older Women.
Do you have any favorite scripture that would personally share with a sister on any of the above mentioned points? What do you like to do to reduce stress and anxiety? If you are a blogger, do you have a post that I might link to, about reducing stress or anxiety? Thank you for sharing some journey with me!
Feeling Overwhelmed with current circumstances? Be encouraged by Christian blogger Angela, with her article that reflects on our wonderful role in these times:
Love these great tips! My favourite go to verse is Philippians 4:6-7.
ReplyDeleteI love that passage as well. Thanks for stopping by and dropping some kind encouragement.
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