Peace

The word “STRESS” - a load, force, or system of forces producing a strain. Stress is a normal part of life. Many events that happen to us, or around us and many things that we do ourselves  put stress on our bodies. We can experience stress from our environment, our body and our thoughts. So stress is pressure that is applied or a strain in any given circumstance.  Stress can be positive, keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger. Stress becomes negative when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. As a result, the person becomes overworked and stress related tension builds. Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress; a negative stress reaction. Distress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases. Stress also becomes harmful when people use alcohol, tobacco or drugs to try to relieve their stress. Unfortunately, instead of relieving the stress and returning the body to a relaxed state, these substances tend to keep the body in a stressed state and cause more problems. In order to keep from having stress filled lives we must learn to have “PEACE” in our lives.

Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  

Don’t forget about the thief? What is he going to do? John 10:10 says “ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:” Do you think that the thief might help you have an overworked life, little rest and much tension? You can count on it! What does the next part of that verse tell us “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” So which do you want? Who are you TRUSTING in to have peace in your life? Are you putting your trust in the THIEF? YOURSELF? OR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?  Oh you say it is not that easy? Oh, but it is! If you were drowning would you put your trust in one who was trying to rescue you? Would you question if they were able to help you? Would it matter who they were? NO! You would quickly reach out. So what did you learn here? Did you learn that Alcohol and Drugs only bring short term relief? Get high and drunk all you want but it will never solve the problem of stress. If we learn to put our trust in the Lord Jesus and get the proper rest then without doubt help will be on the way. Did you get the rest you need last night? I am praying that you have a great week now don’t overdo it.