Tuesday, April 17, 2007

A Stress Free Life

We talked about this in my women's cell group and then at church. It's pretty good, so I thought I'd share some of my notes on this. I need to process it MUCH more, so the best thing for me to do is blog it!! =o)

Is a stress free life possible? Well, it's what God wants for us. Take a look at a familiar scripture, but in the Message Bible:

Matthew 11:28 -30
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

Wow! I like that version of this scripture. I know the Message isn't the most "accurate" translation, but boy, it can sure get an idea across!

The first step to a stress free life is "Come to me." If we are stressed, the first thing we need to check is are we going to Him, or are we allowing our busyness or circumstances to keep us from Him? He is where we find peace, joy, strength, etc.... No wonder we can quickly stress out when we don't take the time to spend with Him. Just daily routine can quickly zap the joy and pile on the stress, not to mention when a "monkey wrench" gets thrown in the routine! Our pastor always says to make an unbreakable appointment with God...and keep it! So, in order to live above the stress line, we must take time to run to God, lay everything at His feet, and let Him "watch our backs".

To be continued....

10 comments:

Jennifer said...

Ruth, what a great post!
I am guilty as sin where I sit for worrying and trying to do it all myself. Thank you for the reminder that He really wants us to just go to Him, and He'll take care of it.

Candy said...

Hiya Ruth!
You are too sweet. You always come by my blog and leave a nice comment and always makes me smile. Thank you Ruth :)
I LOVE this scripture verse! Thanks for this post, it was great!!
Candy :)

Beach Girl said...

If I don't stay in the Word and in prayer, I find that I am short-tempered and grumpy. I depend on Him to give me rest from the stresses of life. We all need to be reminded of that sometimes; thanks for doing so.

Vanessa

Christie Belle said...

What a great reminder. I am so guilty of stressing myself out and not giving it to God. Thanks for this post:)

Jennifer in MS said...

Great post Ruth! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

Ash said...

What a wonderful post. I like everyone else am completely guilty of trying to handle and worry about things myself, and not giving it to God, and walk with him. Thank you for the reminder.
Blessings,
Ash

Trella said...

Wonderful post, Ruth! Thank you for the reminder.
Love,
Trella

Karen said...

That's a wonderful place to start. But, too often, I try to handle things on my own. If I'd just do this continually, I'd be much better off!

Lori said...

I really like this post. Thanks for sharing. I love that verse in Matthew. I need to hear that more often too, as I tend to worry.

Susan said...

When we try to do it ourselves we are putting our trust and faith in us rather than on Him. He wants it ALL.