Stressed?

When it seems there is more to be done than there is time for, it’s easy to get under pressure. We think we’re not getting enough done or are not getting it done quickly enough, so we push ourselves harder. But the fact of the matter is that when we do that, we usually wind up being less effective and getting even less done. What began as positive, motivated action turns into stress.

Stress hinders us in a number of ways. It puts extra strain on our nervous system, which diminishes our mental sharpness. It causes us to try to go too fast, so we’re not as careful and prayerful as we should be and are therefore more likely to make mistakes. It squelches inspiration. It makes us irritable and harder for others to work with. It can really take the joy out of life! Allowing ourselves to become stressed is counterproductive in every way.

Stress?—Or peace?

Learning to recognize when the effects of stress begin to appear and then taking positive steps to counter them is probably one of the most important work habits we can build—and the very best way to do that is to ask God for help.

We need to ask Him to help us see the early warning signs, and then we need to learn to give our worries and cares to Him and trust Him to do the work through us, in His way and in His time. “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”

First things first

Stress is the enemy! As Christians, when we feel under pressure, the first thing to get crowded out of our schedule is often the very thing we need most—our time with God.

When you keep your spirit strong and healthy by reading and meditating on God’s Word and by taking time to love and be loved by Him, you gain access to one of the greatest of all stress busters, faith. Faith brings you His supernatural insight into others and situations. It brings the peace of knowing that He is in control.

When you turn to God for help, it’s like opening up the pressure valve of your spirit. If you continue to try to do it all yourself, the pressure will continue to mount.

God is concerned about you and your happiness. He wants to be involved. He wants to help you with your workload, and He will help you as much as you let Him. He will lighten your load incredibly if you’ll just ask Him. He will soothe your ruffled nerves, calm your mind, and show you what to do.

God has all the answers

Of course, it’s even better to eliminate whatever is about to trigger stress before that happens. To do that, it’s important to pray for help in organizing your work. Pray before you begin your day and again each time new factors enter in, and He will inspire you with ideas that will make your way clear and simple so you don’t get under such pressure in the first place.

You’ll be amazed at how specific He can be in His instructions about your schedule and how to go about your work. He’ll show you your priorities. He’ll give you tips on how to get them done most effectively and efficiently. He’ll help you avert many of the time-wasting problems that put you under pressure by reminding you of things you have forgotten or overlooked, or by showing you things that you have no other way of knowing. He’ll walk with you through the good times and the tough ones. He’ll bring deeper contentment and joy in the good times and the guidance and strength to turn even the tough times into victorious ones.

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John 14:27 ESV – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Psalm 55:22 ESV – Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Romans 8:31 ESV – What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?