Most of us have heard the phrase, "United We Stand." Well, according to a report from CNN we're not "standing" things as well as we should. Here is what a report from CNN, dated October 7, had to say: "As many as 80 percent of Americans are stressed about their personal finances and the economy, according to the annual survey conducted by the American Psychological Association." The report goes on to add that "...Nearly 7,000 Americans responded to the survey between April and September this year. Within five months, anxiety about the economy had jumped from 66 percent to 80 percent. The poll was conducted before the passage of the $700 billion bailout bill last week and Monday's stock market tumble on to add..." Suffice it to say, we are a stressed out nation. And the toll is beginning to show. Just in the last couple of days the news wires have carried reports of tragic stories where famliy members have either been hurt or killed due to a stressed out family member driven to the brink either due to the fact they were having extreme financial problems or they were having trouble finding work.
At times like this, it feels as if I would just be doling out pithy answers and easy phrases if I were to say, "Just trust God." But, as those who seek to follow in the way of Jesus and live the abundant life Jesus promised, we discover that Jesus lived a life that seemed to lack one thing in particular - stress. Certainly Jesus may not have had the bills and issues we have today, but he did live in the same world and battle with his own stressors. What seems different with Jesus is that he lived in such intimate communion with God that he truly believed that God would provide for his every need. For that reason, Jesus chose - that's right, I wrote "chose" - Jesus chose not to worry. He knew that worry would not accomplish anything and would, instead, siphon off all the energy he would need to minister and serve on God's behalf. Jesus truly lived an unhurred, un-worried life. I'm not sure life was any easier. I think he just chose to focus his heart elsewhere. He chose to focus on the loving care of God and the fact that God truly cares about his well being. In the same way, God truly cares about our well being. We may not fully know how God will take care of us and how God will provide - but we can trust that God will provide for our needs.
As we live in trust, what else can we do to reduce our stress in these uniquely tough times.
Get Plenty of Rest
That might seem like an oxymoron because when you are stressed, it's hard to sleep. But making sure we are getting the rest we need helps us during stressful times.
Get Some Silence...Take A Spiritual Timeout
Allow yourself to take some time to create a space where you can just sit, take deep breaths, and wait on God. As the Psalmist says, "Be still and know that I am God." Rest in God's presence.
Watch Your Emotional Gauge
Realize that sometimes we get emotionally worn out and we don't even realize it. When we are emotionally worn out, we need to do those things that rejuvenate us emotionally - reading a good book, listening to good music, stepping outside and enjoying the Fall colors, taking a nap. Whatever works for you, take time to fill your emotional tank.
Financially...Dont' Panic...But Be Prudent
These truly are unique times economically. We should not panic by doing things like taking all our money out of the banks or burying our retirement in the bank yard. But, we can be prudent and realize that maybe some purchases have to be put off for awhile until the economy settles down. This is a time to focus on the things we need...not as much the things we want.
Maintain a Strong Relational Network
At times like this, our friends can be a source of strength and support. Having a network of people we can go to when we are down, scared, or nervous will get us through.
We are a stressed nation but it doesnt have to divide us...or divide our souls. Trust God. Take care of yourself. And realize that each day is a new day, a gift from God, it is the day the Lord has made!
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