Stress is the mental strengthener or a destroyer of lives, depending how we handle it. Many of us struggle to come afloat while it carries us under, as water does to the body. For many, alcohol and drugs are meanings used to alleviate their mental estate. In this situation, families are destroyed when parents are separated. Children suffer the consequences that will affect them from generations to come, in some cases. But stress comes to all who are alive. It is not all bad in the scheme of things when it is not the result of sin, but it is for our own spiritual growth. It is in the time of stress that we have the opportunity to force our mind to focus on the words of YAHSHUA: Stop being perpetually uneasy about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater than food, and the body than clothing?… But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. So, do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its troubles (Matt. 6:25,33-34). We might think these to be theories and not applicable in our time, for we do not see it happening. However, YAHSHUA did not promise freedom from stress, but He encouraged us to be of “good cheer,” for He has overcome the world. That is, all the stresses, all the difficulties, all the challenges, no matter how hard and tall the mountain is, even if they are results of reaping the consequences of sins, or not, He has taken the position of High Priest on our behalf. He suffers with us, He sympathizes with us, and carries our burdens with us. He holds His priesthood unchangeably because He lives on forever. Therefore, He is able also to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them; [here is] the Priest to our needs, as was fitting- holy. Blameless, unstained by sin, separated from sinners and exalted higher than the heavens (Heb.7:24-25).
Under stress, we tend to blame the other person for the wrong that is happening, as it was the case in the beginning with Adam and Eve. Neither of them took responsibility for their own decision to sin. Taking responsibility for our mistakes and sins are the first step to victory over the stress, when it comes to us as a result. As “we are what we eat,” so we are that when under stress. For it is in this situation that we show our inner true color. Colors others can’t see, only we ourselves know about them. Some, when under stress, curse God, as Job’s wife told him to do; others, as Job, sought God and cried to Him, never losing faith that endured to the end. Words, as these, I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives, and at last, He will stand upon the earth; and after my skin. Even this body, has been destroyed, then from my flesh or without it I shall see God, Whom I, even I, shall see for my self and on my side! And my eyes shall behold Him, and not as a stranger (Job19:25-27) This is a true testimony of whom Job was when under stress. Day, after day, we are confronted with stress we haven’t planned on. Surprises, after surprises, raise the eye brows, not taking them well at first by rejecting the outcome. Pain in sufferings takes a different route in life for the better, when we perceive God’s purpose, if we pay close attention to it, for it will serve to teach us how to control our emotions, which will affect many around us. It is a thing to think first, before letting our emotions get out of control. There should be a quiet place for us to be alone with God, and let all out, in order to feel clean from those hurtful emotions.
Light from the Word 