A Formula for Overcoming Stress

 

By Andrea Merrell

Stress. Some call it the silent killer. It can destroy our peace, joy, health, sense of well-being—and even our life.

We all face it in one way or another. Even good things can cause it, especially when decisions have to be made and time is a factor. We can complain, medicate, or ignore the symptoms but instead of heading for burnout, The Word for You Today gives us an acronym for overcoming stress:

Seek God’s guidance

God promises to be with us—always. To give us guidance. To impart wisdom and keep us on the right path. When we seek Him first, He promises to take care of all that concerns us.

Trust what God tells you.

God is trustworthy. People will let us down but God never will. He is always working on our behalf even when we can’t see, feel, or understand it.

Remember past victories.

Sometimes we need to look back at all the times God has come through for us and praise Him in advance for seeing us through this time.

Exalt God above the problem.

We have to get our eyes off the problem and put them on the problem-solver. My pastor says, “Whatever you give your attention to, you empower. Whatever you empower, empowers you.”

Solicit the prayers and support of others.

We were not created to face this life alone. That’s why the body of Christ is so important. We should never hesitate to ask for prayer, especially when going through a rough time.

Stand on the promises of God.

God’s Word is truth, the ultimate and final authority on all matters. Find out what God says and stand on that truth.

If you’re facing a stressful situation, practice these six steps, then watch what the Lord will do in your life.

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.

A Spirit of Entitlement

 By Andrea Merrell

Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,

and He will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33 NLT

 

It saddens me to look around and see a generation with their hands out, expecting everything to be served to them on the proverbial silver platter.

I grew up in the days when we were taught to work hard and expect nothing for free. If it happened, fine. Consider it a blessing. But never expect everything to come easy. Even the Bible says, Anyone who does not want to work for a living should go hungry (2 Thess. 3:10 TPT). 

Now we have a large portion of our society living on welfare, food stamps, unemployment, and stimulus money. They do so well with all the handouts, they don't need to work. So they don't. Everywhere I look, there are signs that say NOW HIRING. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be too many takers. 

Even when we do work hard for what we have, it's easy to get caught up in the mindset of wanting what others have. We might even whine and complain to God. Lord, why can't I have a new car like so and so? Or a bigger house? Or go on better vacations? Or buy a new wardrobe every season?

Recently, I heard a song that said, “God owes me nothing.” Why? Because He has already given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV). He has promised to supply all our needs and to never leave us. He heals, comforts, and provides. He fills us with peace and joy. He even gives us the desires of our heart when we delight in Him. 

God owes us nothing, yet He gives us everything. 

Seek Him first, put His Word to work in your life, and you will never go without.

Photo by Arleen wiese on Unsplash

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God owes us nothing, yet He gives us everything. Seek Him first, put His Word to work in your life, and you will never go without. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Don't Argue with God

By Andrea Merrell

Seek His will in all you do,

    and He will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:6 NLT

 

It was an internal tug of war. God’s instructions were clear. Still, I wanted to argue.

But God …

Ever been there? If so, you know it’s not a fun place to be. We seek God with all our heart. We ask for direction and guidance. We desperately need an answer. When He gives it, we balk. Then we try to negotiate.

I’ve learned over the years—the hard way—that arguing with God is as useless as a pilot disagreeing with the control tower’s instructions or a ship’s captain telling the lighthouse to get out of the way. Both the control tower and the lighthouse see the big picture. They know all the risks. And both have the only right answer for safety and well-being.

Staying in constant communication with our Father should be our first and foremost priority. Listening for His voice then heeding His instructions will keep us out of trouble, especially when we don’t know which way to turn. It’s a matter of trust.

If you’re in a hard spot today, seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. 

And remember … don’t argue with God.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

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Arguing with God is as useless as a pilot disagreeing with the control tower’s instructions or a ship’s captain telling the lighthouse to get out of the way. via@AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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