Stress Management
By Christy Young
Mitchell County
It seems that in the world that we live in today, that everything is so fast-paced and intense that we find ourselves stressed and overwhelmed. But I don’t think that is how God would have us live our lives. When we allow the pressure of this world to overcome us, we lose track of our purpose to follow Christ. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” God is telling us to not let our hearts be troubled, worried, stressed, or afraid. He comes to give us peace. We often find ourselves looking for a cure for stress. We will bury ourselves in work, family obligations, and become depressed and depleted of our self-worth. Stress often leads to health problems and creates conflict in our relationships, causing us to become very unhappy and miserable people. We must come to a place in our lives that we are willing to let go and realize that if we want to live a peaceful life; that it only comes through God’s peace and presence. Numbers 6:24-26 says, “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace.” When we study God’s word, meditate upon it, and plant it deep within our hearts, it changes the way we think and act. Our talk, attitude, and behavior change. Therefore, the things of this world (stress, conflict, obstacles, etc.) can’t control us anymore. Being set free from the pressure of stress begins with submerging ourselves in God’s word. That doesn’t mean that things are not going to change and be uncomfortable at times in our lives, it means that we have the ability to seek God’s face and have His help to cope and overcome. Trust that God can and will fix things in our life. Allow God to lead, and not the culture of this world. Through Christ we all have the ability to manage the stress our lives, don’t let stress manage you. Put your trust in God and live in the peace and presence of your Savior!
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Christy Young is the blessed wife of Chris Young and proud mother of Hunter and Holden. She is a life-long resident of Mitchell county, bookkeeper at Young, Miller & Gillespie, PA, and a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church
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