Greetings in the Name of the One who came to help us with stressbusters!
Jesus told his followers: “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find much rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matt 11:28-30
Nobody carried greater stress in life than Jesus. He not only carried the sin of the world on him while on the cross, but he also faced constant demands during his life. People frequently wanted to see him and be healed by him. They hounded Him for ‘signs’. He had no privacy. Other people tried to trap him and they sought to kill him.
But Jesus knew how to handle the stress. He had an incredibly attractive balance to his life. He handled pressure with peace.
That’s what I want to be like. I’m guessing you want the same. In the next weeks, let us let Him teach us.
As I’ve studied the Bible, I’ve noticed seven secrets of stress management that Jesus consistently demonstrates:
Identification: Jesus knew who he was.
Motivation: Jesus knew what he was living for.
Vocation: Jesus understood his calling.
Concentration: Jesus knew what mattered most.
Meditation: Jesus listened to God.
Collaboration: Jesus had a small group.
Recreation: Jesus took time to recharge.
The Apostle Paul said, ‘Don’t be pushed into a mold’! (Rom. 12:2) I believe we are less stressed when we don’t try to be someone we are not. We are less stressed when we play to our strengths. We are less stressed when we are not trying to win everyone’s approval. May we focus on pleasing Him alone.
Isaiah says, ‘You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. (Is 26:3)
May we, the weary & heavy burdened, learn to find His rest, and bust stress, as Jesus did!
Pastor Lloyd