by June Patrick
Stress is a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension, pressure or strain, and may be a factor in disease causation. While bless is to confer prosperity or happiness upon, offer approval or encouragement, to bring pleasure, divine favor or heavenly reward.
It is obvious which we would choose, and as believers in Jesus Christ, we know God desires to bless us, and he already has in so many ways! Then why does a stress-free life seems unattainable, as long as we are living in this world? Yes, we are in the world, but we are not of the world. We are citizens of heaven and in Godās kingdom we have righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!
If you need to de-stress, Jesus offers us everything we need to combat it. It begins with making time to seek him first. After all, Jesus was declared, āPrince of Peaceā in Isaiah 9:6. Then in John 14:27 Jesus said, āI am leaving you with a giftāpeace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraidā.
In Matthew 11:28-30 TPT Jesus asked, āAre you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, and easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.ā
Now doesn’t that sound like what we all desire and need?! So, as always, Jesus is the answer!
Many years ago I wrote a poem about counting our blessings and over a year ago I felt prompted to give it to a friend. She asked to display it in her office and to my surprise, many of her customers have kept asking for copies. You never know how or when the Holy Spirit will use you! Thatās the back story, now the poem.
Blessings
Blessings are precious gifts of love
Bestowed upon us by our father above,
Who keeps us in his constant careĀ
And shows that He is always there.
If we would notice, blessing surround us
In such great numbers it would astound us.
Some may be hidden, others seems small,
Many we pay no mind at all.
The Lord gives us each a new day to live
The way we choose – to take or give;
To be happy or sad, give thanks or complain,
Do things for Him or for personal gain.
He has given us the power of prayer
And listens to all with loving care.
And by our trust in Him we are blessed.
And we not more aware, during fear and distress,
Of the power of God and our helplessness?
This, too, is a blessing, we must understand,
To teach us to put our lives in His hand.
To count our blessings is good therapy.
No matter what ails us, we find we can be
Contented and grateful, instead of distraught,
And nothing will seem as bad as we thought.