When you’re stressed, what is your go-to? A walk, a bubble bath, a piece of dark chocolate?
You’re human to say, “I’m stressed, I want relief NOW!”
Exercise can be good for a lot of built-up energy and/or emotions.
Total physical relaxation can help regulate our stress response.
Chocolate well, we all know it technically has compounds which do truly lower our stress response… until we over-indulge and it creates another stress with unwanted extra pounds!
God created us. He created us to have physical needs for air, water, food, warmth and rest.
He created us to have emotional needs: to be loved and treasured. He also created us to have spiritual needs: to feel at peace within our spirit. That peace comes from knowing God and obeying Him. It comes from carrying all things to Him and while waiting is terribly hard, waiting on His timing and His authored outcome is what will truly satisfy.
Romans 14:17 has so much wisdom to offer, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” God knew we would get stressed. He also knew what we would try to destress. He knew we would appreciate food and drink and that sometimes we might find they help relieve some stress. But He knew ultimately, we would need to spend time with Him to fully find peace.
As the Psalmist said in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
God knows to truly be at peace we need to spend time with Him. That concept is not always my knee-jerk reaction. Is it yours? Even if it’s not, we can ask Him to remind us in those moments that it’s Him we truly need, and He will help us. Let’s ask Him for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know the stresses of this life that threatened my peace. You know my go-to’s for handling that stress, and You know how You created me to need You. Help me remember that it’s You I need. That it’s You who will truly satisfy my soul. You promise to provide for my needs. Please remind me the only action I need to take is to sit at Your feet. Thank You Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen.