Stressful Events
Tuesday February 10, 2015
When stressful situations come our way, and Jesus told us they will, let’s make a conscious effort to turn to God and seek His help. We know that doing things our way does not work so why not try God’s way which He says will work. Are we too afraid that He may not be able to cope with our particular situation?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Some of us obsess over events of the past which cannot be changed and allow those events to control our present and future wellbeing. Over and over again we replay the sound of unkind words said to us or envision the painful occurrences which caused us shame. We want those who hurt us to be brought to justice and the world to see how badly we have been hurt. We carry our burdens on our sleeve for all to see. God wants to help but we chose not to do things His way as it might mean forgiving the person who hurt us and we want them to suffer for what they have done. Someone has said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Our prayers often include the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples but do we actually pay attention to the words we are saying.
“Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.” (Luke 11:2-4 NLT)
Some of us worry about future events which we feel we will be unable to cope with, IF they happen. These worries may include meeting our own physical needs or those of our families. We may feel overwhelmed by our responsibilities in these areas and desire to run from them.
Jesus said, Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? (Matthew 6:26-28, 30 NIV)
The Bible tells us to live by faith and not by sight, why not determine today to embrace this new way of thinking and live a life free of the bondage to stress.
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