Stress

“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about your circumstances.” –Andrew Bernstein.

Have you ever experienced stress in your life? Or are you going through it right now?

 The Latin word “strictus,” which means “tightened,” is where the word “stress” originates. Several additional words, such as strain, pressure, hassle, frustration, irritability, tension, anxiety, worry, etc. are frequently used to describe stress. Stress is a common term used to describe the pressure that people experience because of events that are happening to them or others around them. Distinct factors, together with variations in severity and impact, may contribute to different types of stress in different persons.

  Depending on our circumstances, stress might signify different things to different people. Hans Selye’s definition of stress, which is the original and most general one, is as follows: “Stress is indeed the nonspecific response of the body to any demand.”

 Stress naturally produces physical and emotional distress; therefore, people desire to get rid of it. When the demands of the environment are greater than what a person can tolerate, stress is the result.

 When we are in a situation where there is more than what we can handle, when our environment demands more than what we have. what will be our next step? We will look for a person who can help us.

 “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” –William James.

 Let me put some suggestions to you. The brain is the seat of thoughts. When thoughts of anxiety creep into our hearts and minds, we can turn to Scripture for comfort and assurance.

God is sufficient for you in your inadequacies. Scripture says, it is not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.

 According to what the world says, ‘God supports those who improve themselves’. This quote is nowhere to be found in the Bible. Another approach is ‘Pull yourself up by your own hard work and sacrifice.’ We are told by the world, “You can do this.”

 Then life happens, and we start to realize we are powerless The pandemic is an example.. We frequently experience hopelessness because of these feelings of helplessness. However, the good news is that no matter what we are going through, we have a loving God who will not abandon us. He

empowers us to handle whatever comes our way.

 Check out the Bible’s history of Elijah’s life. Superheroes are not mentioned in the Bible; rather, it talks about regular folks like you and me. God was sufficient despite their shortcomings, that is the difference. Elijah was a great prophet of Israel who was chosen by God and had done many miracles. After encountering a big mission, which he led alone, he got a threat from a woman. She was not a simple woman; she was the queen. Elijah was so despondent that he wanted to die. Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.

 Generally, we all have certain behavioral patterns when we go through stress. I experience hopelessness, loneliness, fear, and failure when I am stressed. I sometimes feel responsible for my circumstances and have egoistical thoughts.  I may overeat and frequently do not replenish myself by participating in interesting and fulfilling activities. Sometimes I choose to sleep instead.

Similarly faced with a stressful situation, Prophet Elijah ran and after a day’s journey into the wilderness, he came to a broom bush and sat down under it. Elijah felt he was inadequate to handle his circumstances and he wanted to die. You and I can easily identify with this situation. Thank God, the Bible talks about human vulnerability and expressing negative emotions, showing how easily unpleasant feelings can develop in us. We always work to present ourselves as cheerful people so others think that everything is going well in our lives and that we can manage anything. Who are we trying to impress? Who has time to observe your optimistic thinking?

God has given you a wide range of emotions, so be who you are.

Laughing is required when it is called for. You must cry when you are supposed to cry and seek help when you are supposed to seek advice. Your superpower will not be appreciated in this world and instead, you will be given more work. BE HUMAN.

Let me talk to you about the God of the Bible. Elijah cried out to God and prayed take my life. Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. God loves his creation unconditionally. He can understand you and me very well. Here when Elijah was going through depression, God did not give him any advice, rather he allowed him to take rest. He did not demand anything from Elijah, instead, saying “my son take rest,” God provided everything that he needed. God created an environment where he was strengthened and nourished, while he was safe and secure in the hands of Almighty God.

Dear friend, are you going through the same situation in your life? May be your office is demanding more from you, may be your family is expecting more and you might be feeling inadequate to fulfill all these demands.

Jesus said ‘come to me, all those are weary.’ God said,’ call unto me, I will answer you.’

If you feel you need help, come to God with a small prayer right now. He will hear you.