Have you ever been through stressful times in life when there just seems to be no peace? What about Extreme Stress; you can't sleepwell, eating habits are disturbed, you feel under the weight of the world, at times you feel like your heart is racing and you can't even breathe? Can you say PANIC ATTACK?
When I am going through a stressful time in life, I have to sometimes pick myself up by the neck and shake my own self to remind my spirit that God is always in control. I had to come to the conclusion years ago that the Word of God is true, regardless of what I see around me. His Word is full of promises and tells me that I am the apple of His eye, that He is my strength, and that the Holy Spirit is a Comforter and a Guide. The Word tells us that He leads us beside still waters....That IS His will for us, but if we get out of the peaceful 'lane' on our highway of life, then the still waters are hard to find! When that happens, we have to find out where we went off the road so we won't do it again, then ask God for directions to get back to Peace.
When I am anxious and disturbed, I am learning to check the atmosphere in which I am currently living. What is going on in my life? Am I involved in too many activities? ( Even worthwhile activities can wear us down if we don't use wisdom). Is my family running in too many directions, making our household chaotic? Have I made some mistakes in life that are causing anxiety at this time? Am I possibly the victim of a spiritual attack by the enemy? Satan's job description is to "kill, steal and destroy". He knows that he will never get most of us to actually worship him. But he will attempt to throw temptations in our path....things that look good and worthwhile...but things that keep us too busy for proper rest and relaxation that is required for our bodies to function properly. If he can get us to 'bite' at these things, then he has a chance to 'steal' our peace and chip away at family foundations as well as time and energy for God's work.
So, if you're living with constant stress, check out the atmosphere of your home. Ask God to help you to do what is required to establish a peaceful environment there. Talk to a godly trusted friend or pastoral staff to gain some clarity. Then take some time to read His Word and remind yourself of all of His wonderful promises to His children. Even when a storm is raging in your life, you really CAN rest, SAFE in His arms.
-Mike Carswell
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