There seems to be a lot of stress in the air. Some people still haven’t relaxed since the election, especially if their candidate lost. Others are worried about the economy, while others are concerned about all the violence that seems to be erupting around the world. Then you get the stress that often creeps in at the holidays, especially if we let ourselves get caught up in the materialism that our society wants to push on us. (Did you see that shoppers trampled an employee at Wal-Mart the other day?) Here’s some good advice for stress relief:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Worry won’t do you any good. You’re much better off giving it to God. One of my Hispanic friends shared a proverb with me: “If it has a cure, there’s no point worrying about it. If it doesn’t have a cure, there’s no point worrying about it.” That pretty much sums it up. Worry only makes you sick. The best thing you can do is give it to God.