Overcoming Stress

When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 (nkjv)

Overwhelmed? I hate to admit this, but I spend much of my life feeling overwhelmed. But I also want to share that I’ve learned the only real way to relieve the stress of that feeling is to spend time with the Father. Try applying the following three principles to your life when you feel overwhelmed.

Practice the presence of God. Come to Him first. Without acknowledging His presence in our lives, we are helpless to survive the challenges that we all face every day. The psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, nkjv). And “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline Your ear to me, and save me. Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:1-3, nkjv).

Remember the faithfulness of God. The psalmist rejoiced, “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:1-2, nkjv). His confidence was sure: “For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings” (Psalm 61:3-4, nkjv). Finally, “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice” (Psalm 63:6-7, nkjv).

Acknowledge the sovereignty of God. And finally, we must rest in the sovereignty of God, which relieves us from worrying about tomorrow knowing God is in control in all of life’s circumstances. Paul wrote, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, nkjv). Christ assured, “Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, hcsb).

Father, today I choose to acknowledge Your presence, I remember Your faithfulness to me in all past situations, and I totally rely on Your sovereignty for my life today. In Jesus’ name, amen.