Stressed? Worried? Upset? It’s a Sign

At one time or another, we all have dealt with a stressful situation, something overwhelming or a worry or tough decision. You might be dealing with one now. When we are in that state of emotional discomfort, our muscles might tense up, we might have a tension headache or an upset stomach, we might be short on patience, we might be losing sleep. We are simply not at peace AND that is a sign that it is something to give to God.

No where does God say "to worry", "to be stressed". He tells us the opposite.

Matthew 6:25-26 NIV
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

He doesn't say there won't be difficult times or challenges. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33,

“In this world you will have trouble.”

But then He adds, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus tells us to TAKE COURAGE! He who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world, so we too can overcome difficulties with the help of the Holy Spirit.

We read in 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

No matter what the situation is, the Lord tells us NOT to be stressed, worried or unsettled about it. How do we do that? How do we let go of it?

Apostle Paul teaches us in Philippians 4:6-7,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERY situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We can let go and let God, because our Lord promises to help us through EVERY situation that we bring to Him. He wants us to come to Him with our needs. And maybe you already have, repeatedly, everyday. I know I have approached God daily with a request to help. And I have waited on Him faithfully. But there have been times of waiting when I have reached the very end of the rope. At that point of desperation, I come to God emphatically, sometimes in tears, that I NEED Him, that I can’t handle this anymore. It is at that point that my prayers have been answered more immediately and in unexpected ways. We may ask in prayer ABOUT our needs, but God delights when we actually tell Him that we NEED Him.

When our emotions and our bodies are flashing a bright neon sign that we are in a stressful, worrying situation, let us remember that it is a signal to turn to God. Being unsettled or anxious is not a state in which God wants us to be in. There is a reason He tells us “do not worry”, “do not be anxious about anything”. That reason is because He is there for us, He is our loving Father who cares for us, He wants to help, guide and lead us to Peace and He will. He tells us in Isaiah 41:13,

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

And with that assurance, let the PEACE OF GOD, which TRANSCENDS all understanding, GUARD your heart and your mind.