Sunday, August 26, 2012

LET'S DE-STRESS "STRESSTIMONY"

"Truly God is good . . . "  ~ Psalm 73:1

STRESSTIMONY??? What is Stresstimony?

"Stresstimony" is a Let's De-Stress original concept (Trademark) which conveys an incredible Stress Testimony. 

The primary purpose of Stresstimony is to observe how premier people of God addressed stress and sought to de-stress. Those who've pioneered paths from stress to de-stress can contribute powerful insight to those yet struggling. 

For our first Let's De-Stress "Stresstimony," we will interview an old biblical friend - nonetheless a mighty stress survivor - from Psalm 73; One who was an author of twelve Psalms, Music Director for King David, and a king of Judah . . . And now, the Stresstimony of ASAPH.  

LDS: Welcome, Asaph, so good to fellowship with you

ASAPH: "Truly God is good . . . " 

LDS: Indeed! So, what stressful situation are you going to share?

ASAPH: "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." 

LDS: No doubt, "prosperity" can be a stressful subject, and dealing with the wicked tends to increase stress.   

ASAPH:  "They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men . . . Their eyes bulge with abundance;  They have more than heart could wish."

LDS:  In a way, yes - and in a way, no. Only God knows that.  

ASAPH:  "And they say, 'How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most high?' . . . these are the ungodly, who are always at ease;  They increase in riches."  

LDS:  Nevertheless, focusing on situations of this sort elevates stress more.  Now, in the midst of your frustrations, what brought about your gyration from stress to de-stress?

ASAPH:  "When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me - Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. . . Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind, I was so foolish and ignorant . . ."

LDS:   WOW! That's incredible! In other words, it wasn't until you went to God that you were relieved from all that anxiety and stress. God worked wonders with your flesh and your stress. 

ASAPH:  "My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  

LDS:  That's precisely the commitment needed for those struggling with stress and in need of genuine de-stress. Asaph, have you any farewell words?

ASAPH:  "It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God . . ."        

LDS:  And that's the thing about God's supernatural de-stress; it affords lasting relief and a loving relationship.  And that concludes our STRESSTIMONY!


Peace I leave with you  . . . 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

LET'S DE-STRESS AND BE BLESSED


If there's  one thing stress and anxiety sufferers delight in, it's Blessings.

Stress survivors remain in great expectation of one blessing after the other. Today, let's de-stress and be blessed with God's Word in Psalm 112.   


Praise the Lord!

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments.

His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches will be in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.

Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion.

Surely he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 


~Psalm 112: 1-7, NKJV



"Devoted to relieving stress using principles based on God's Word."

Sunday, August 12, 2012

LET'S DE-STRESS FROM APPEARANCES

"For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7b, NKJV

"What's wrong with my hair?" That's the question paparazzi reported recently coming from Olympic Gold-Medal Gymnast, Gabby Douglas.

Although Gabby had just obtained a "major" Olympic victory, a great deal of focus, and criticism, was placed on her "appearance."  In the midst of her magic moment, she had to contend with stress regarding her appearance. 

Honestly, appearance anxieties didn't originate at 2012 Olympics, and surely not with Gabby. Recalling 1 Samuel,  Chapter 16, when the Lord told Samuel, "I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons . . . you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you."  

As far back as biblical times, appearance issues have existed. Notice how, as "Samuel did what the Lord said, and went to Bethlehem . . . he looked at Eliab and said, 'Surely the Lord's anointed is before Him!'" 

Samuel based his thoughts solely on what his eyes could see. "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature . . . For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" 

Throughout ageless accounts of criticism and ostracism, far too many of us have faced demoralizing stresses, regarding our appearance. At some point, even strong stress survivors have wondered, "What's wrong with me?"   

Just as God assured Samuel that appearances didn't impress Him, He assures us, as well, that man's acceptance, based on outward appearances, is of no consequence to the blessings He bestows. 

Let's de-stress from appearances by keeping our hearts tuned to God's Word, and by believing when God sends forth a blessing, it's as good as GOLD.   


Peace I leave with you . . .  


Friday, August 10, 2012

LET'S DE-STRESS DEVOTIONAL

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:8


"Devoted to relieving stress using principles based on God's Word." 

Sunday, August 5, 2012

LET'S DE-STRESS THIS SUMMER SEASON


Fretting day after day during the hot summer season is a probable cause for stress, sickness, and  even stroke. Our de-stress must surpass our stress, if we are to avoid the ills of the season. Let's de-stress this summer season with wisdom from ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8.

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of Peace.


Peace I leave with you . . . 

Friday, August 3, 2012

LET'S DE-STRESS DEVOTIONAL

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, 
that you, always having all sufficiency in all things,
may have an abundance for every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8


"Devoted to relieving stress using principles based on God's Word."