Let’s talk about stress for a moment. I wanted to address this issue because it’s a real threat that is destroying so many lives, even – and especially – believers. We live in a fast-paced society and the pressure to measure up is astounding. Whether it’s in our parenting, our marriage, our career, our health, our friendships, or our ministry – there is great pressure placed on us.
Think about it! When we get up in the morning, our wheels start turning with all the things we want to get accomplished for that day. Before we have a chance to get a piece of paper, our to-do list is already growing.
And then as soon as our feet hit the ground, we start running as hard as we can.
And we don’t stop!
When we finally fall into bed at night, we are utterly exhausted but we have a hard time turning off our minds so our sleep is hindered. And feelings of despair wash over us if we did not get everything done that we had set out to do that day.
Stress can affect us in many ways, but let’s address two important ways here: physically and spiritually.
Physically, stress becomes negative when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges.
Hence, stress-related tension builds.
Stress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain and problems sleeping. It can also play a part in heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, depression and anxiety.
Did you know that 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress? And did you also know that 75-90% of doctor’s visits are stress-related ailments and complaints?
And then there are the spiritual repercussions!
When we’re stressed, we lose our joy and passion.
We cannot help others grow in their faith or shine a light for Jesus if we are stressed-out. Our stress consumes us so that we cannot be a positive influence in others’ lives, and that includes our families and loved ones as well.
But here’s the good news. As believers, we don’t have to live under the weight of stress. We can live productive lives, accomplishing a lot, without being stressed out. Here are a couple important principles to keep in mind:
- Find time to rest! I’m not sure what Jesus saw as He looked at the audience on this day, but this is what He said to them: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). It’s here that Jesus demonstrates the importance of rest. And complete rest can only be found in Him.
Last summer was one of the most stressful times of my life. My husband had taken a temporary job in Washington DC and we were moving to South Carolina. And my mom was moving in with us. While our house was being built, my mom and I lived in a two-bedroom apartment. My daughter was also going through a lot of stress in her preparation of moving to SC as well.
Outside santuary
The cross in my outside sanctuary
I knew that I needed time with God each day to keep me positive. So, I prayed He would provide a way. And He did something so beyond my expectations. He provided an outside sanctuary at the apartment complex. And right in the middle of it, there was a cross.
This is where I met with Him each day and this is where He poured out His Word into my weary body.
Let me encourage you: find a time and place for rest. Physical rest, Yes! But please don’t negate spiritual rest as well.
Only Jesus can restore your joy.
2. Set Boundaries! In other words, learn to say NO. This is really hard for us people pleasers. But here’s the thing: if we don’t learn to set boundaries, we will quickly face burn-out.
Jesus set plenty of boundaries. He said no on a number of occasions as He walked on His Father’s time-table, not the people’s time-table. He even withdrew from the crowds to be alone with His Father (Luke 5:16).
This is speaking to me as much as it is you. Setting boundaries is like putting a fence around your property to protect what’s yours. And in this case, we need to protect our joy, our peace of mind, and our sanity.
The great thing about living on this side of the cross is that Jesus has opened up a place for us to rest. Let’s utilize it and win the war on the stress threatening our survival.
Blessings,
Upcoming Bible study topic
JOSHUA: HEAVEN’S MIGHTY WARRIOR
Begins January 8, 2016
Love this blog Sheryl!! Thanks for sharing your heart for the Lord!
Blessing on this new sight.
Love this post, definitely a timely post for me…thank you Sheryl! 🙂
So happy, Arika. Thank you for your encouragement.
Great word on stress. The Zlotd is the best stress reliever I have found. Give rest and peace that passes ALL our understanding. Love you Sheryl. You love for Chridt and His word keeps up going on In Him. Thank you sis.
Sheryl, this is an incredibly timely message! I love how just re-reading Matt 11:28 calms my soul. What precious PEACE we have in our PRINCE of PEACE😄
Thank you for the words of encouragement, Jackie.
Sheryl,
Thank you for reminding me that Jesus calls me to His side to find rest. And just as you found your cross near your apartment, I savor my quiet time while walking the sandy shores of Lake Huron while Beholding the glory of the skies and the clouds above me.
For both the expanse of the water and the beauty of the skies over me remind me of the greatness of my Saviour’s Love and care for me, Our Father’s Dear child.
I am a woman most Blessed!
Thank you dear Elsie. You bless my heart.
Thank you, Sheryl, for addressing this most important aspect of our lives these days…stress does definitely affect my body and does make it so that I do not give my all to my family or any aspect of my life. I am lucky to work out of my home at this time and where I work I actually call “my sanctuary”. I thank God every time I am in my sanctuary and can really feel a release of stress when I “am still”.
Thank you Karen for sharing this. I know how important this message is for today’s believer. It is for me too.
As always dear sister in Christ..
You are right on target. Christ Jesus gives us the peace that surpasses all understanding,
if we get with Him and be still. Making time for our Father Who supplies ALL our needs,
heals our wounds, and tells us we can do all things through Him! In the valleys The Truth,
His Word doesn’t change. He brings us to the mountain top. He is faithful to do it. Cling to Him
trust Him, believe Him. He paid it all for all mankind. Stay in Him, as we are the branches, and He
is the Vine. but one thing is needed daily…forgiveness. We must forgive everyone so no root of bitterness,
and resentment takes root. Remember Jesus carried our cross to the very end. He suffered not you or me.
He paid it all…now go and tell the world. He said, the Kingdom is drawing near, repent and follow Me. God bless you Sheryl and your loved ones. Enjoy the benefits of His blessings, as the child of The King!
Correction…for you and me He paid it all.
So excited to see this blog and Bible Study that my friend Sheryl Pellatiro is doing!!!
Thank you Betsy. So glad you are partnering with us.
Love it Sheryl! The Lord just keeps speaking to me from so many venues…. “be anxious for nothing..” At first I was like “oh ok… that’s a nice reminder of the word…”; but after He keeps putting the same point before me I eventually have started to take notice and I’m like…” Oh! OK Lord, you are really talking to me about this topic aren’t you! I need this don’t I? He’s like.. “Yes! You do!” If He was like us I can almost hear Him saying..It’s about time you got it.. lolol rofl….. I know He is wanting to teach me to come into that place of rest in Him during this new season in life and I did not realize just how far off base I have been in this area! I do so love how He loves us! It never ceases to amaze me how He continues to work in us and for us! Love you much~! Thanks again for this blog topic!
Exciting times, in this day and age we need Blogs like this, thank you Sheryl! Keep us in God’s hands!
Love this blog!! Xoxo
Thank you Kara. Hope you subscribe so you can be sure to get notices every time something new is posted. You can do that on the home page of the blog in the right sidebar. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.