There are many sources of stress in our life from environmental stress and financial stress to fatigue and overworking. But there is also what is called internal stress. Internal stress is when we make ourselves stressed because we worry about things we can't control or we put ourselves in situations that we know will cause stress. Some people even become addicted to that hurried, tense lifestyle. They feel stress about things that aren't even stressful!
One thing is for sure-stress is not pretty. It can make us tired, sick, and even unable to concentrate or think clearly. It can also cause anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. But God has something to say about stress; He doesn't want us to stress, He wants us to rest. He wants His peace to rule and reign in our lives.
Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." To let peace rule in your life means to let the peace of God, which passes all understanding, rule in your spirit, mind, body and emotions, not your circumstances, anxiety, fear, or your emotions.
I received a good lesson in this many years back. I was going through extensive infertility treatment with no success and I started having anxiety attacks off and on. It seemed like it hit me out of nowhere and it really shocked me! I went to a good Christian doctor and got help and began to seek God and study the Word on how to walk in peace. Philippians 4:4-9, 12-13 helped me so much. (Please make scripture reference a link, directing readers to bottom of the page with scripture).
Philippians says that if you want to walk in God's peace, rejoice in the Lord always. That means that your joy is the in the Lord and you are going to praise Him no matter what. Your joy is not in your circumstances or in what people do or don't do. The source of your joy is deeper than that; it comes through your relationship with Jesus.
I learned that I had a choice. I could think and talk about my problem over and over again and get more depressed and stressed. Or, I could obey the Word of God and choose to rejoice in the Lord. Yes, what I went through was not good, but I was able to rejoice because I serve a good God.
Fear and worry can't remain in an atmosphere of praise. All through the day, we should stop and take a "rejoice break" where we choose to worship and praise God. Because on the flip side, complaining is death, but faith is praise. And faith is what moves God to act!
Worry doesn't bring the walls down in our life and fear doesn't change anything. It's when we begin to rejoice in the Lord that the walls in our lives begin to crumble and fall. It's when we refuse to quit rejoicing until victory is received. Rejoicing should be a lifestyle; life is full of ups and downs and God wants us to learn how to live a stable, peace-filled life that's full of His joy no matter what we go through.
When I was experiencing that anxiety I would get up in the morning and spend a long time reading my Bible and praying and praising God. I would make my declarations, "I have the joy of the Lord. I walk in God's peace." When I was doing that, I would feel strong.
But in all honesty, many times when I was through and went about my day, I felt down and anxious and again. So I got up and did it again the next day and the next day and the next, until I got complete victory. I had to rejoice again and again and again. And God definitely gave me the victory and He wants to do the same for you!
Jesus has given us so many gifts-the gift of salvation, eternal life, and the Holy Spirit. But He has also given us the Gift of Peace so that we can be peaceful in a stressed out world. We can be peace-filled no matter what we go through. Jesus said in John 14:27 (NLT), "I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."
Every day, all through the day, when you feel life's worries begin to press in, remember to pick up the gift of peace and rejoice in the Lord. God's peace is abundant and is available to you at any time. Pick it up and praise Him for the victory that's on its way. Turn your worry into prayer and praise. Use your strength and energy for praise and thanksgiving instead of the negative. As you let go of the worry, stress and fear and cast them off, peace will rule your life and you'll experience the joy of the Lord carrying you through every season.
Philippians 4:4-9, 12-13:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Lisa Comes
The oldest daughter of John and Dodie Osteen, Lisa was healed at birth of a crippling condition similar to cerebral palsy, and as an adult, she miraculously survived the explosion of a pipe bomb in her office at Lakewood Church. Actively involved in outreach ministry since 1983, Lisa has been a Bible teacher for over 20 years. She is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and is married to Kevin Comes, Administrator of Lakewood Church. Lisa and Kevin are the parents of three children: twin daughters Catherine and Caroline, and son Christopher. For more articles, thoughts and notes from Lisa, please visit LisaComes.com.