LET'S DE-STRESS WITH CONTENTMENT

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. . ."

1 Timothy 6:10a, NKJV

In a world saturated with "I-want-this" and "I-want-that" stress, saying "Let's de-stress with contentment," and actually doing that, can be quite stressful. 

Yet, stress survivors say it is indeed possible. However, in order to de-stress with contentment, two things are essential: One, we align our understanding of "contentment" to match God's Word. And two, we ask Him to condition our hearts and minds to being content.   

Let's de-stress with contentment and view one of God's de-stress principles for contentment from 1Timothy 6:6-14.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 

For we brought nothing into this world, 

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and clothing, 

with these we shall be content.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare,

and into many foolish and harmful lusts 

which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,

for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness,

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

But you, O man of God,

flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness,

faith, love, patience, gentleness. 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, 

to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession

in the presence of many witnesses.

I urge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things,

and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession

 before Pontius Pilate,

that you keep this commandment without spot, 

blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing. 

Peace I leave with you . . .

LET'S DE-STRESS DEVOTIONAL

"Be Anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

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

LET'S DE-STRESS MINI

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

LET'S DE-STRESS STRESSTIMONY

"When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."

~ Job 23:10a, NKJV

Welcome back to another amazing Let's De-Stress Stresstimony^TM.

Here again, each featured stress testimony is presented with hopes that our quests for de-stress might be enriched by sharing inspiration from God's Holy Word.

Today's Stresstimony^TM is from one of the most noted stress survivors of the Bible. One who triumphed from enormous stress to de-stress, while maintaining exceptional patience and faith. 

And now, the infamous Though-He-slay-me-yet-will-I-trust-Him, God's faithful servant JOB (Job, Chapters 21 and 23).

LDS:  Welcome Job, it's a blessing to have you share with us. We need sage advice and encouragement from stress survivors, such as yourself.

JOB:  Listen carefully to my speech, and let this be your consolation.

LDS:  Most definitely! Which stress would you like to share? You've had quite a few, haven't you?  

JOB:  Even when I remember I am terrified, and trembling takes hold of my flesh.   

LDS:  That's understandable, considering the stress you've encountered. What trouble awaits at the tip of your tongue right now?   

JOB:  Why do the wicked live and become old; Yes, become mighty in power?

LDS:  Honestly, Job, stresses concerning the wicked--and their power--seem to be rising all around us. Seems like moral conscience, for many, is ebbing away. 

    

JOB:  Yet they say to God, 'Depart from us, for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways.'

LDS:  You're right, God's ways are being slung aside, as people insist on doing things their own way. And that's a major cause for countless stresses. What do we do?   

JOB:  Let his eyes see his destruction, and let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty. 

LDS:  No doubt, without the knowledge and grace of God, destruction is inevitable; without God, any hope of elevating from stress to de-stress is next to impossible.   

JOB:  Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him . . . But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 

LDS:  Awesome! Thank you, Job. Stress survivors accept that no matter how dark the way, or how clearly or nearly we see Him, God knows all about us. But just like Job, we're destined for certain trials and test. And that's our Stresstimony^TM . . .  

Peace I leave with you . . . 

STRESSTIMONY is a trademark of LET'S DE-STRESS. 

LET'S DE-STRESS DEVOTIONAL

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

LET'S DE-STRESS MINI

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

LET'S DE-STRESS WITH GOD

"Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord." 

2 Corinthians 6:17a 

To De-Stress with God requires more than mere words. 

As with all successful achievements, de-stressing with God requires adhering to certain principles--which stress survivors regard as God-given principles. Initially, we must think de-stress. Speak it. Believe it. And then, practice it . . . regardless of people or place.  

Once we've decided to purge our mind and spirit from the filthiness and fatality of stress, we seek to dwell in places where we can see and feel the presence of God.  

As we acknowledge God as our Alpha and Omega source of de-stress, we position ourselves to experience His omnipotent power and promises along with His effective principles.

Let's de-stress with God and highlight one of His de-stress principles from 2 Corinthians, Chapter 6:16-7:1. 

As God has said:

"I will dwell in them 

And walk among them. 

I will be their God,

and they shall be My people."

Therefore

"Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you."

"I will be a father to you,

And you shall be My sons and daughters,

Says the Lord Almighty."

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, 

let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness 

of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness 

in the fear of God. 

Peace I leave with you . . . 

LET'S DE-STRESS DEVOTIONAL

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

LET'S DE-STRESS MINI

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

LET'S DE-STRESS WITH FAITH

"According to your faith let it be to you." 

~ Matthew 9:29

Our Success to let's de-stress with faith may not be equal for all.

Whereas some may believe in faith and some may not, none can expect to receive from what is not believed. Great success for de-stressing with faith is closely related to how we embrace faith. 

On one such occasion in Matthew 9, two blind men followed Jesus, crying "...have mercy on us!"  Before addressing their issue or concern, "Jesus said to them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?'"  

When they said, "Yes, Lord," Jesus proceeded to perform miracles. He touched their eyes, saying, "'According to your faith let it be to you.' And there eyes were opened."

Surely, we all can agree that all blindness is not physical. In fact, it's the devastation from mental, emotional, cultural, and other non-physical blindnesses that creates most monumental stresses. 

Surprisingly, many stress victims approach faith far too frivolously. When dealing with stress, many wail for benefits and blessings of faith, but few seek to enhance faith beyond casual use of the word.

Stress survivors believe that faith is more than just a religious word used by traditional church-goers. As believers, seeking to de-stress, we strive to ensure that our faith actions equal or exceed our words. 

Does this imply that stress survivors have arrived? Certainly NOT! Nonetheless, "by faith," we believe God has opened our blinded eyes from stress, and blessed us with miraculous de-stress.


Peace I leave with you . . . 

LET'S DE-STRESS DEVOTIONAL

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

LET'S DE-STRESS MINI

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

LET'S DE-STRESS WITH PRAYER

Our needs for powerful de-stress are granted through prayer. 

We've heard it said, "No Prayer - No Power. . . Little Prayer - Little Power. . . Much Prayer - Much Power!" 

Surely, the person who penned this phrase had some sort of de-stress in mind. Stress survivors boldly attest that prayer -- (not the flashy, show-off, wanna-be-seen kind) -- consecrated prayer, gives ultimate relief from stress.  

Right now, individually and collectively, let's de-stress with prayer.

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive us debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

   For Yours is the kingdom 

and the power and the glory

forever.

Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13, NKJV)

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