How to Relieve Stress ....

How to Relieve Stress ...

When most people talk about how to relieve stress, they talk about all kinds of cures, remedies, and tons of different products that somehow miraculously get rid of all that's stressful.

If it were that simple, then why is stress such a huge deal these days? And why is stress being credited for billions of dollars in health care costs? I suspect if we could all simply take a pill to eliminate the entire problem, we would gladly do it.

The Pharisees....Were They Stressed or What?

Even back in Biblical times there was stress. Just look how stressed out the Pharisees were about Jesus. Everytime He did something they didn't like, they went nuts. Of course, their version of how to relieve stress was a bit drastic, to say the least. Just think what would happen if you tried to kill everyone that you don't agree with.....you think the prisons are full now?

Stress is a close relative to impatience, anxiety, and worry.

I recently read a book called "Roll Away Your Stone" by Dutch Sheets.

This book spends a good deal of time discussing the soul as your mind, will, and emotions. It describes your constant desire to elevate your soul over your spirit. Your spirit is that part of you where the Lord resides.

I believe the constant conflict between the two is the source of much of your stress. Let's face it. It's not always easy to be led by the Spirit and then to follow through and do exactly what He says to do. When you consider just how loud your mind, your will, and oh, those emotions can be....

Oh.....Those Stress Relievers

Learning how to relieve stress begins and ends when you learn what God's word says AND when you make the decision to actually apply it in your life. Here are a few specific suggestions on how to do that:

ALWAYS spend time with God. Talking to God on a regular basis is feeding your spirit. It's keeping the door between your heart and God's heart wide open. Staying in touch with God gives you an ongoing sense of God's involvement with your everyday life. As long as you know God's taking care of things, it is ALOT easier not to worry and stress out.

Learn to trust God. Trusting means you mean what you say when you pray and ask God to intervene in a situation. It means you "cast your care". And no, learning how to relieve stress doesn't include a back-up plan just in case.... And no, you don't get to worry about it, think about it, and try to manipulate the situation to get your own way. Stress happens when you aren't willing to wait for God's timing.

Decide that pleasing God is more important than pleasing people. Many times people place expectations on you that create stress. There is freedom when you learn to say one simple word..... NO. That doesn't mean you don't help other people and you always put yourself first. Rather, it means there are a limited number of hours in a day, and your priority is to make sure they're filled with only those things that are contributing to your life in a positive way.

Many times people want and expect you to accept new tasks and take on new responsibilities for their own reasons. There is no crime in saying no. In fact, that's exactly what you should say if you know in your heart that this new task or responsibility isn't God's idea.

You can always tell when it's God's idea because of the peace that comes from doing what God tells you to do.

Make a decision to get REALLY good at being patient. If you were to take an inventory of every single time you need patience in a day, you would be absolutely amazed. Just think how much stress you could eliminate simply by practicing this extremely important virtue.

Finding relief from stress CAN happen. But first, you have to know exactly where it's coming from, and exactly what to do next. I recently found a FREE test that not only shows you how and why you're stressed, but what to do about it.