Thriving: Got Stress?

When scientists study people who are thriving or experiencing a strong sense of well-being they learn that some of the factors those folks have in common is that they are grateful, content, have a strong sense of purpose, build healthy, authentic relationships and … they are healthy. But it’s more than just physical health, they are also mentally and spiritually healthy.

There is one culprit that can have a negative impact on physical, mental and spiritual health - stress.

What are the things that cause stress in your life? Chances are the things that are causing you stress are things or people that you feel you have a lack of control over.

Stress is often a perception of lack of control.

Some people do not find it stressful to jump out of perfectly good airplanes; others find that very stressful.

Some people intentionally swim with sharks; others would be terrified of the thought.

Some people are very stressed by technology; others love working with it.

A sense of control makes all the difference in how we perceive things.

What feels out of your control? Is it managing your time, your health, your wealth, another person?

There are some things we are not in control of and never will be. But we have a personal relationship with the one who is in control of all things.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions?...On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone – while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? …Have you ever given orders to the morning or shown the dawn it’s place?...Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been shown to you? Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you?” (Selected versed from Job 38)

The God who created you controls everything. He is in charge- not us. We do not have to be in control. We do not need to be stressed.

It helps me when I'm feeling stressed to ask three simple questions:
     1. Is this my business?
     2. Is this God's business?
     3. Is this someone else's business?

If it is not my business, it is out of my control and I need to let go of it and trust God and other people. My worrying and stressing over it will not accomplishing anything positive, and it will contribute to my poor mental, physical, and spiritual health. 
 

Relax, take a deep breath; know that the world has a Savior…and it’s not you.

Rest in the peace of the one who controls everything and has promised he will provide and take care of your every need.