Definition of "stress" at Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:
a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation
Do you find yourself not even really caring for the word itself..."stress"?
Doesn't the word itself conjure up....well, stressful thoughts?!?!?!?!
Isn't it sad that sometimes the stress that one is under can cause a disease? In doing a bit of research for this post, I came across a very interesting article entitled "Is Stress Making You Sick", by Jacqueline Sidman, PhD.
Here are some of Ms. Sidman's thoughts about stress:
There are two types of stress, with the first known as situational stress, and may be caused by the weather, traffic, another person’s behavior, or some other external factor. External stress cannot be controlled, and doesn’t lead to illness.
However, the second form of stress can cause illness. This type is known as internal stress, and is caused by reactions to external influences. For example, if someone challenges or confronts you, like if another driver cuts you off on the road, you may feel tense, irritable, or angry. These negative reactions to the same triggers over and over again are really over-reactions that increase over time and foster internal stress.
However, the second form of stress can cause illness. This type is known as internal stress, and is caused by reactions to external influences. For example, if someone challenges or confronts you, like if another driver cuts you off on the road, you may feel tense, irritable, or angry. These negative reactions to the same triggers over and over again are really over-reactions that increase over time and foster internal stress.
Are you aware....that depending on how long your stress goes uncontrolled....it can cause you to become.....physically.....emotionally....and spiritually.....sick?!?!?!?
I said yesterday that all of us....don't care who we are....are under some kind of stress in our lives....I don't think I've ever met a single person who could...if being honest....say they truly didn't let anything that happened affect them in some kind of negative way!!
Sometimes I think "stress".....can be a good thing. For instance....you're at work...you've been given a deadline to get something completed....lots of us work better under a bit of stress....makes us get more things accomplished....and more quickly!!!
Another example....you get a phone call that somebody is going to drop by and see you....how quick do you get your house picked up and put up just knowing somebody is going to come by and see your mess???
(okay, this is probably just me!!!)
But....for those of us who let stress get the best of us sometimes....and not in a good way....here are some verses of scripture you might want to jot down and remember:
Psalm 9:9
The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Psalm 55:221 Peter 5:7
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Acts 14:22
They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
(I don't remember ever hearing that verse of scripture before....that we must suffer many hardships)
1 Peter 3:14
But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.
And...last but not least....this verse really spoke to my heart!!!
Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!
I really like this bit "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. ". Another good post Deb - especially for people like me who are always so stressed out.
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know about that phone call telling you they are going to drop by and your house is a disaster and panic takes over because you don't want nobody to see your dirty house, you are "not alone". I do it as probably many others. We get that panic mode to "clean". Good post, for we do all stress and I have heard or read that verse Acts 14:22. Love ya>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> me
ReplyDeletei don't know if these are helping, but boy do i need to listen to what you are writing.
ReplyDeletei am STRESSED!