How to Conquer Stress - Martin Wiles

In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6 NLT

Living a stress-free life is impossible. Therefore, how to conquer stress is the challenge. 

Women report they experience stress for the following reasons: contradictory feelings, changing expectations, new freedoms but fewer options, guilt over working outside the home, too much to do with too little time, fatigue, boredom, unrealistic expectations, role conflicts, and pressures from the workplace. The top five stressors reported by women were the death of a spouse, divorce, marriage, the death of a family member, and being fired.

For men, the four major stressors concern their bodies, careers, families, and personal issues. Although men and women face similar stressors, men seem to handle them in an unhealthier manner. Symptoms that appear as men age include high blood pressure, body aches, ulcers, heartburn, and headaches. Statistically, they also die earlier than women (Wright, H Norman. Winning over Your Emotions).

The nation of Israel faced its own set of stressors—many brought on by its repeated disobedience to God. God often used pagan nations to correct their wayward behavior, but he also assured Israel of his love and protection when they obeyed.

Although we cannot eliminate stress, we can conquer it, but how?

Welcome small doses of stress

These get our adrenaline flowing and propel us into actions that can benefit us, our churches, our communities, and even the world. A life completely free of stressors would be boring and uneventful. Too many stressors—or the wrong type--can inflict emotional, physical, and spiritual pain—leading to our detriment.

Have a correct view of God

God is not a distant deity who has no concerns for the events in our lives. He walks beside us, lives within us by his Spirit, and wants to direct our paths to an abundant life. But we must give him control and believe he is in control.

Build time to relax

Opportunities to serve God and others abound, but we can’t take advantage of them all. Asking God which ones he wants us to snatch is important. As Jesus took time to relax, we must also make time for our families and ourselves.

Re-evaluating your view of self

The why of what we're doing that’s leading to stress is more important than what we're doing. If ulterior motives are involved, stress is sure to accumulate.

Don’t let stress conquer you; let God help you conquer it.

Father, give us life guidance so our bodies will not be conquered by the ill effects of stress. 

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