God, the Ultimate Stress Reliever!

"Stressed spelled backwards is "desserts." -Loretta Laroche

Stress is nothing new. It's been around as long as humans have lived on this earth. As a matter of fact, we're responsible for most, if not all, of the stress we bring on ourselves. But, there was one person who, even though he could have opted out, chose to experience our stress in order to understand it and help us. Jesus wanted to feel the stress of living in this sinful world; to experience our pain, suffering, and desperation. And experience it he did!

Was Jesus stressed out about Herod when he was told that he would kill him? Did he stress about any of the high priests, Scribes and Pharisees; though he knew they would capture and deliver him to the Gentiles to be scourged, and crucified? Was he stressed thinking about Judas and the men who came to get him? Did Pilate his judge, who had no power against him other than what was given him, stress him out? I will gather a guess that he was, and it did. Why? Jesus was human, like us, remember?

But, Jesus had someone to back him up; to support him. He had the Heavenly Father on his side. He knew that no matter what anyone here on earth could do to him, something far greater awaited him. Wouldn't it be wonderful to feel that peacefulness, confidence, comfort, security, and love that he must have felt? The wonderful news is that we can! Thankfully, because of Jesus, the same can be had for those who truly believe.

Faithful believers have no reason to be afraid of what man can do to them, especially when grace applied (Psalm 56:4). "The LORD is on my side, I am not afraid! What can people do to me?" Psalm 118:6 (NET) urges us to pause and ask ourselves, "Who do I really have to fear? What can another person (made of mere flesh, blood, and bone) do to me?

Perhaps you're feeling like the world is closing in on you right now. Is the pressure of your family, job, or social life getting to you? Maybe your marriage is going through some shaky times right now? Are bill collectors making your life difficult with their persistent calls? Or, did you just get a less than favorable diagnosis from the doctor? Whatever the reason, life isn't very fun right now, and the stress just keeps piling up, and up, and up...

Stress is a part of being alive. And, as long as we are here, stress won't be too far away. So what can be done about it? Is it too much to ask for help? Psalm 118:5 (NET) says that, "In my distress I cried out to the LORD. The LORD answered me and put me in a wide open place." He plucked me from my stressful situation, where I was in trouble and sinking fast. The walls were closing in on me; He took me out of a distressing situation and gave me some badly needed breathing room. He took me to a spacious space (Psalm 118:5).

God wants you to know right now that he is, and will be with you. No matter what's stressing you out. You don’t have to be afraid, terrified,  stand there trembling, or give in. God is on your side, and will fight for you. It doesn't matter what the odds against you are. The Lord is on your side. It doesn't matter if the circumstances seem impossible. The Lord is on your side. It doesn't matter if the situation is greater than you are. Almighty God is on your side!

Scripture: Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 56:11; Psalm 86:2; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:4

Prayer: Dear Father, even though may be feeling helpless and hopeless today: I know that you are always there to lift me up; to raise me and renew my spirit. There is nothing that will I fear, as long as you are with me. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Bonnie