Stressors abound right now. COVID-19 has disrupted so much of our lives. We can’t gather with friends and families and worship. People have lost jobs and housing. And in the ultimate disruption, over 146,000 have died just in the US, and over 650,000 worldwide. We face protests and sometimes riots in many cities as we struggle responding to racism. Hurricane Hanna just hit Texas, one of the states hit hardest by COVID-19. Like they need more stress.
So how do we chill? Well, a minor de-stressor may be the return of MLB and NBA games, IF your team does well, and IF you follow sports. But let me borrow a thought from one of the key guys in the Jesus Movement. Yeah, we can learn from the past. As we strive to lower stress, maybe we should focus on what cannot be taken. By anyone.
Larry Norman sang how life can take away our kids, our spouse, our job, our life, our house, and our Ford, “But you can’t take away the Lord.” Here’s a link if you’d like to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfs0MwWAn0U
Then a friend, Leilani Strong Smith, posted Psalm 36:7-9, which amplifies that:
“How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.”
So, 4 quick de-stressors!
1. Remember God’s unfailing love. He cares for us and acts in our lives, even when we may not see it.
2. Remember how he protects and shelters us. Not that he keeps all trouble away, but he works for good in our lives in the midst of stress.
3. Remember to feed on him. Fill your life with God stuff. His presence. Prayer. His word. His people. That will allow you to focus on his help.
4. Find your fountain. Discover how YOU best sense God and the life he offers, because that gives us light for the journey. Yeah, you guessed one of mine: the fountain above we made in our backyard. I grab a cold drink, a good book, sit and sip and watch the birds come for drinks and baths. And I sense that “God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world.” And with me.
Kick Starting the Application
What is your level of stress with all issues we can’t escape? Do you intentionally lean on God’s love and presence when stress level gets high? What are some specific steps you can take, unique to you, that will heighten your awareness and trust in God in these times?