"Stressed"

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22

I was talking with a dear sister in the Lord last night. She was sharing with me about how her body is going through lots of pain, it just seems as though her body is "breaking down"- she is having one physical problem after another. She also shared with me about the stress she is under at work. We have talked on several occasions and I have been amazed at what she is going through at work- the work load, the late hours, the criticism and hateful comments from fellow employees. I told her it was no wonder her body is manifesting all these physical problems-- a broken spirit dries the bones (produces death).

Stress will effect your body. We were not designed to carry the loads that we are being put under daily. God never intended us to have to shoulder the weight of the world. We should have peace, joy, tranquility surrounding us. Oh, I know that we have tribulations and problems in this life, but how much of it is "self inflicted"; how much can be avoided if we would make a few simple adjustments and cut out some unnecessary things that help put us under more stress?

I want to encourage you- as I did her- get out from under the stress. Let go of the "extra" things as much as you possibly can. But the main thing I want to say is--- Praise, Praise, Praise! Get some praise music, turn it on, sit down, listen to it, and sing along with it, get your focus solely on the Lord. Let the praise of God renew your mind and refresh your body. The praise lifts your heart and spirit and actually puts "moisture" (life) back into your bones. Praise produces a merry heart (a light heart), and a merry heart is like a medicine.

Have a great day. Give the stress you are under a good dose of praise.