LET'S DE-STRESS DEVOTIONAL



"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass."

- Psalm 37:5

  

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

LET'S DE-STRESS WITH OUR WORDS

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."

Proverbs 18:21 

HASN'T THERE BEEN days when someone spoke the very words we needed to hear?

Can't we recall times and situations when people eased our stress, simply by something they said? 

Surely, we can remember incidents when someone's unpleasant or offensive words left us sad and stressed.

Be not deceived, words are extremely powerful. They can heal, and they can hurt. Words can be priceless, and they can be painful. 

 
Proverbs, the Bible's book on life, teaches that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." 

Plain and simple, kind and considerate words can enhance life and give it great meaning; whereas harsh and heartless words can destroy life's joy and cause unbelievable stress.

Stress survivors uphold the power of words and the difference they can make. There's been many times when someone's soothing words chased our stresses away.

Again, be not deceived, for we can't know what powerful de-stress the tongue possesses . . . until we actually try it.


Peace I leave with you . . . 

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 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."

LET'S DE-STRESS MINI

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

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  . . . 

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 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 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 . . .  

LET'S DE-STRESS MINI

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

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 . . . 

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."

LET'S DE-STRESS AND DANCE . . .

                           

". . . David danced before the Lord with all his might;"

2 Samuel 6:14

There comes a time when almost every stress survivor gains victory over stress. Our de-stress is such a welcomed relief, until we're inclined to do AS DAVID DID.

In his gladness, "David danced before the Lord." Imagine David doing a dance of praise and experiencing a great de-stress. Whether before or after overcoming stress, let's de-stress and dance! Let's try this: steal away to a private place, turn on some peppy music, and dance . . . dance . . . dance.

Dancing is, no doubt, an incredible fun and relaxing way to de-stress. When combating daily stress, exercise can do wonders for the mind and body. Along with reducing our mental stress, dancing releases tension from tight muscles.

See, as we dance (exercise), our bodies release tiny molecules known as endorphins. These endorphins act just like a drug and gives us an amazing high. A "happy" high -- plus a noticeable feeling of well-being. 

The more we exercise, the more endorphins we release; and the more endorphins we release, the happier we are. Stress survivors view dance exercise as one of the most economical, enjoyable, and effective means of de-stress.

For a truly hilarious dance, try some ole' school tunes. Incidentally, if dancing is taboo in certain homes, don't despair. Gather up some fast-paced praise music, jump up and down and move all around. Whatever music, whatever movements, as long as we keep that adrenaline pumping, we're making progress in reducing our stress. 

Go ahead, laugh, cry, shout and praise, but . . . DON'T STOP DANCING!

Peace I leave with you . . .  

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