Stress

Tire manufacturers discovered years ago that to make tires efficient they had to absorb real shock rather than resist it. Stress tightens us until the problems of life break us. Brent Bauer, Director of Integrative Medicine at the Mayo Clinic says, "Up to 80 percent of the doctor visits in the U.S. are reportedly triggered by a stress-related illness." The problems brought on by stress have become all too common so let's find out how to remove it.

St. Theresa from the sixteenth Century said, "Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. Everything passes away except God. God alone is sufficient." "In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." (Isaiah 30:15)

Another excellent way for overcoming tension and stress is the practice of silence. There is healing power in silence. Take time daily take time to just be quiet. Don't talk, rest your mind and keep your body still. Carlyle declares, "Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together."

Consider asking God to guide you and show you His best as you follow this week's Action Steps:

1. Take time right now and each morning this week to visualize, "God is for me". Really see God being for you and visualize how much God loves you! If you believe God is for you, who can be against you?

2. Realize what stress, tension and uptightness is doing.

3. Add into this day a time of relaxation and silence.

4. Think about God; His presence, His goodness and His care for you.