Stress

Stress

MY QUESTION for GOD

How can I reduce stress in my life?

A MOMENT with GOD

The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. . . . They abandoned the Lord. . . . He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress.

Judges 2:11-12, 14-15

Certain actions have predictable consequences. If you try to stop a speeding car by stepping in front of it, you will get run over. The Bible talks about another kind of action that has an equally predictable consequence—sin. God’s Word makes it clear that sin always hurts you because it separates you from God, your source of mercy and blessing, and puts you in the crosshairs of the enemy. Giving in to temptation will bring you great stress because it puts you right in the middle of the road, where evil hurtles toward you at high speed. Being run over by the consequences of sin causes great strain and enormous complications in your life. Of course, not all stress is caused by sinful actions; but the next time you are really feeling the stress, as the people of Israel were, your first response should be self-examination to check your heart and actions and see if there are areas of your life in which you are giving in to sin. Then get off the road of temptation before the consequences of sin run you over. Return to the Lord and ask for his help and mercy. God welcomes with open arms humble and repentant people, especially humble leaders.

DIVINE PROMISE

I HAVE TOLD YOU ALL THIS SO THAT YOU MAY HAVE PEACE IN ME. HERE ON EARTH YOU WILL HAVE MANY TRIALS AND SORROWS. BUT TAKE HEART, BECAUSE I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.   John 16:33