HEARTS, STRESS AND HEALTH (5)

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” – 2 Corinthians 4:8                               

The Treasure of God’s Spirit in our HEARTS will conquer every Pressure and STRESS assailing our HEALTH: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor.4: 7-9). This testimony of Paul, the apostle, can be that of every Believer in Christ because we are Overcomers in Him: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1Jh.4:4); “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (1Jh.5:4). Having received Mercy “we DO NOT LOSE HEART” (v.1b).

Life brings a fair amount of stressors, but God promises to provide us with the strength needed for daily life in a stressful world. Through the Scriptures and the Power of God’s Indwelling Spirit we can navigate through stressful seasons and displace Stress with Strength: “But those who wait on the Lord shall RENEW their STRENGTH; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isa.40:31). Our hearts were made for worship and wonder, not to carry weights of anxiety, worry, and stress.

Let’s meditate on few Bible verses to find encouragement and motivation to handle whatever situation we’re facing:

“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul” (Psa.94:19). When life’s stress feels overwhelming is the time to remember that we’re never alone. God is always there to walk through the situation with us; His peace comforting us: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isa.43:2). “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb.13:5b).

“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed” (Psa.107:29). The storm and sea are direct analogies to turbulent anxiety, worries, and stress. No matter how vicious these may be in our lives, God always knows how to make them be still.

“I called on the Lord in DISTRESS; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place” (Psa.118:5). Rather than internalise stress and end up suffering unpleasant consequences, God would have us “breathe it out” – replace worry with prayer and thanksgiving (Phi.4:6-7).

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in QUIETNESS and confidence shall be your STRENGTH” (Isa.30:15b). Now that we can carry the whole wild world in our pockets, it’s harder to keep the world at bay. Our mobile sets always promise another website to visit, text to read, update to see, image to like, game to play, stream to watch, video to download, headline to scan, article to skim, or price to compare. Who could sit still while so much life rushes by? The rise and spread of technology tends to crowd out quietness. We need to cultivate the difficult Habit of Quietness. As hard as it might be, it’s still a life-saving, soul-strengthening habit that prevents Stress from eroding Health! The quietness that strengthens is one that’s filled with God:  “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psa.46:10a).

“Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the Lord is His treasure” (Isa.33:6). Stress destabilises; divine Guidance from God’s Word provides Stability and Strength. A correct view of God helps to control stress. When we know that God is not a distant deity who has no concerns for the events in our lives – He walks beside us, lives within us, and wants to direct our paths aright – Stress is rendered impotent from conquering us. But we must give God control and believe that He is in control.