WHAT STRATEGY SHOULD I USE FOR DEALING WITH STRESS?

SCRIPTURE:
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up 
against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.  
(2 Corinthians 10:5)

MEDITATION:
Most of us would probably agree that we live in a stressful environment.
Some suffer from financial stress; some stress from marital or family issues;
some stress from the demands of their jobs; some stress from trying to run 
a household; some stress from relationships; some stress because they do 
not have a particular relationship.

There are some who stress 
from the uncertainty of how they will spend eternity.
We have the scriptures to bring clarity to this type of stress, 
so why are some stressing out over their eternal destination?

It could be because they 
have failed to open the Bible and see the requirements for entering heaven.
It could be that some have a misunderstanding of God’s grace.
It could be that some feel their “bads” have outweighed their “goods”.
It could be that they feel that they are hopelessly struggling with sin.

If we look at the causes of this type of stress, 
they all originate in the mind, don’t they?
If that is the case, then it stands to reason 
that the mind is where we should work on relieving our stress.

Paul addressed that issue when he said, 
“we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
He tells us that we have to make a conscious effort 
to stop these unrighteous thoughts from “hanging around” in our mind.
Instead, we need to usher them out as quickly as possible 
and fill the void they leave with righteous thoughts.

This is not something that we can handle in our own strength; 
we need divine assistance.
God promises help to all who genuinely 
decide to accept His salvation and give their lives to Him.

God wants to help those who recognize that He is in control of the world 
and His Son gave His life for mankind.
He promises the Holy Spirit as an advocate to all those 
who want to praise and worship Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jesus said,
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will 
send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind 
you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

The Psalmist knew the importance of the Holy Spirit when he said,
Do not cast me from your presence 
or take your Holy Spirit from me. (Psalm 51:11)

ACTION:
Do you feel that you are constantly in a state of stress?
What is your relationship with the Lord?
Have you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for understanding the stresses that I 
have in my life. Thank You for Your promises to provide me with 
an advocate to deal with the stresses, and especially the stress of 
the constant attacks by the evil one through temptations. I pray that 
You will fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can escort the thoughts 
from Satan out of my mind, and replace them with gratitude and 
appreciation for how you have blessed me. I also pray that You will 
show me how to fill my mind with righteous thoughts, so that I can 
serve You and develop a close fellowship with You. Help me to fill 
my mind with what You want to plant there.”