Stress, From Mom

I haven't taken anything from Mom's journal in a while and felt like I needed to back into it.  Today's timely topic: STRESS.  And since I have felt a bit stressed out lately, it's timely indeed.  I'm struggling to find a balance in my days.  I have a tendency to want to do everything, all at once, and then I'm stressed out.  LOL  It's learning a new timing to life after working for so many years and living on "fast and faster."  I still have the "I gotta get it done." mindset.  And then there is all the interruptions, the road blocks and the derailing or changing of my plans.   So I think this message comes just at the right time.  

From Mom.

Learn to endure.  Welcome the difficult things, the tiny (or not so tiny, as manifested in our minds) and ruffles that come everyday.    Say "no" to yourself--doing this, you will become strong not only to do, but to endure.  Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  

Pray.  Do you need courage?  Give me Your courage Lord.  Do you need patience?  Give me Your patience Lord.  Do you need love?  Give me Your love Lord.  Do you need a quiet mind?  Give me Your quietness Lord.  Our Lord never fails us when we seek Him.  Don't sit in self pity.  

From me.

I remember reading a line in "31 Days of Praise" by  Ruth and Warren Myers that continues to stick with me today.  "In spite of what I think or feel when I get my eyes off You, I choose not to resist my trials as intruders, but to welcome them as friends."  I realize that if we truly believe and rely on that oft quoted Scripture in Romans 8:28  "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." then we really would not stress over interruptions, changes of plans, to do lists and the seemingly inexhaustible ways our walk through this world is fraught with problems, testings and trials.  We truly would rest in the Lord, keep our eyes on Him, trust that all was within His care and plan.  Stress would be a no show in our daily living if we really threw our whole being on that Scripture.  We could say to the uncomfortable or difficult...."God has use for You in my life.  Therefore, I welcome You into my day, and not only welcome, but am grateful for."  Imagine going through your day with that mindset!  I can!

Lord, we fail so often to trust You completely.  We allow circumstances and interruptions and anything we don't like take our eyes off You.  And then we get stressed and upset.  Our peace is gone, our tempers fray, we walk in frustration and depression...Lord, this is not what You want.  Not for me and not for any of Your children.  Help us!  Help us to rely fully on the truth in Your Word...that all things serve Your purpose.  And we are Your beloved children.  I am so grateful that You are in charge of all things.  I am so grateful that I don't have to live in stress.  I had forgotten that over the last few days.  Forgive me.  And thank You for putting me back on track.  Keep us there Lord!  Remind us often because we are forgetful people.  In our Savior's Name.  Amen.

Keep Romans 8:28 memorized and in your heart.  Work on truly believing it.