Dealing With Stress

Everybody has to deal with unwanted, uncontrollable stress in their lives, natural disasters, and unexpected job loss, the death of a loved one, an accident, or an illness. All of these lie mostly outside of our realm of control. But when I began to enjoy the present moment, and to reframe the situations that arose, by practicing gratitude, my own perceptions and reactions changed and I was able to accept my own circumstances.

This reminds me of the words of Jesus: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matt. 6:34,) Jesus taught us to be mindful of the present, not of the future. The apostle Paul likewise taught us to forget "those things which are behind," meaning the past. This means letting go of any thought that is unrelated to the present moment and finding something to enjoy in the present moment. Most people do not live in the present moment. They are wishing for a different moment—either past or future. They go through the motions required to function in the present moment, but they are thinking things like: "I'll be happy when..." "I get a bigger place to live." "I get that promotion." "My kids are out of school. “ I pay off these bills." "I get a new car." We need to train our minds to let go of any thought that is unrelated to the present moment and to find something to enjoy in the present—continually. When you walk or drive, pay attention to the beautiful scenery, the chirping of the birds and crickets, and the feel of the warm sunshine or the chill in the air.

Focus on the way your body feels as you go through routine motions of driving, opening the door, walking to your destination. During work breaks and in the evening, refuse to think about goals, projects, or tasks that are not part of the present moment. If a stressful thought comes to mind, choose to move on to a thought that is related to what you are feeling. If you have to stop at a red light while driving to work, don't get frustrated, but consider it a welcome opportunity to be thankful for your car, your job, your boss, and so on.

The majority of people in third world countries would love to have your car, your job, and your boss. Quit complaining about what you don't have, and start practicing gratitude for what you do have. You can practice gratitude by enjoying the music, the sights around you, the fact that you have air conditioning or heating for your car—and the fact that you have a car and are well enough to drive. As you practice, more and more your muscles will relax, your body will unwind, and your stress will be relieved.

Nothing exemplifies this better than thankfulness and gratitude. The Book of Psalms is filled with the poetry of thanksgiving, such as this one:

Bless the lord, 0 my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 103:1-5,

It's interesting that the Bible says you enter His gates with thanksgiving, because an "attitude of gratitude" helps you take the focus off your situation and shifts it to the One who can work everything out for you. Hebrews 13 tells us to give the sacrifice of praise continually, not just when we feel like it, "the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (verse15). Paul said, "In every thing give thanks [even in the midst of trials and tribulations]: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Gratitude and thanksgiving go hand in hand. I recommend that you start each day by identifying at least twenty or thirty specific things, great and small, for which you are grateful. Do this with your family at the breakfast table and when you are alone in the shower. Make it part of your running mental dialogue wherever you go. Thankfulness and mindfulness will go a long way toward erasing the stress in your life.....Brother Roy