Handling Stress

Stress comes from trying to do something – about something you can’t do anything about! Four of the most common causes are:

1. Trying to change the people in your life. Sound familiar? People can’t change people, only God can! And He does when we back off, love them as they are (which doesn’t mean we agree with all they do), pray and speak God’s promises over them daily, then allow God to deal with them His way, in His time, and for His glory.

2. Trying to make things happen when it’s not the right time. “There is a time for everything” (Ecc 3:1 NIV). One of the characteristics of children is impatience; they can’t wait for anything. God wants us to outgrow our childish impatience, so He makes us wait – and trust!

3. Getting upset because we’re not progressing fast enough. You can slow down your growth through spiritual neglect, but ultimately only God’s spirit can make you what you ought to be. Listen, “But we all…are changed…by the Spirit” (2Co 3:18). Learn to enjoy your life while God works on your problems – for you’ll always have problems!

4. Pushing ourselves harder and harder. We do what we think God wants, without actually consulting Him as to what He wants us to do, when He wants us to do it, and how much He wants us to do. As a result, we wear ourselves out. What’s the answer? Listen, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee” (Is 26:3).