By Rachel Greene
Ever have those days when nothing is going right? You wake up late, you feel fat, and you spill coffee all over yourself? Or to harder life circumstances- A family member is sick or even died. Your kids are in trouble at school. Your boss and you are not meshing well. The last thing you want to do is act like you have everything together and you would really love to just scream at everyone and crawl in a ball and disappear.
As a Christian woman, it can be hard to not want to deal with what life is handing us. There is a certain stereotype attached to our beliefs that we are never stressed out and are always happy. And we always give it to God when we are feeling that way. But we know that’s not always the case. We scream at our loves ones, we turn to food or maybe even other things, we want to sleep our problems away. But I am telling you there is a better way.
I was recently feeling very stressed out. I had a panicked feeling in my chest and everything people were doing was making me nervous and irritable. I couldn’t focus and couldn’t even complete simple life tasks. I couldn’t work or even workout. My motivation and zeal for life was gone. I became confused and instead of doing what I know in my heart to do, I shut down. However the good news is that Jesus has so much grace. As soon as I decided to ask him what I could do, instead of complaining about my stressful life, he replied with “You don’t have to do anything. I am who will do everything. You sit back and just lift your eyes above your problems to me. See, already better, huh?”
He has a different perspective than we do. His perspective is from the cross, he already won it all. It’s won. There is so much peace to look at your Savior and know that the battle has already been won. I want to encourage anyone that is feeling stressed that no matter what you feel, remember what you know. Truth overcomes feelings. It’s already won and you are victorious. Here are some Bible verses to encourage you :
“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” -(John 14:27 MSG)
“But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” -(John 16:33 MSG)
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”- (Philippians 4:6-7)
“I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” –(Psalm 16:8)
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” –(Deuteronomy 31:8)
I’m a stressed out Christian