Stress

Stress is an awful thing when it’s in an overload amount. It, in small amounts, can act as a motivator, but too much causes pain, lock-up (physical & emotional & intellectual).

King David experienced stress in Ps. 73. Listen to what he said:

“I envied the proud...they seem to live painless lives... bodies are healthy & strong... don’t have troubles like other people...not plagued with cruelty...have everything they could ever wish for...scoff & speak evil... crush others... boast against heaven...”

These kinds of thoughts come from within us, not from outside. David went on to say, “Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.”

And the final thought from this psalm, “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.”

Gratitude. Thanksgiving. It certainly has a way of changing our perspective. This morning as I awakened, in spite of some of the physical pains I was experiencing, I realized that I didn’t have 2 of the ones which I had when I went to sleep last night. I chose to focus on the disappearance of the 2 and thank the Lord that they were gone and that I had less pain than last night.

As a result, my heart rejoiced, my mind was full of thanks - in spite of the workload for this week that lays ahead of me - and my attitude changed for the better - in a big way!

Thank You, Lord, for the ability to be thankful and to give thanks and “feel” thankful!