Stress levels today are at an all time high. From every day problems to life-shattering hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, people have a lot to be stressed about. Even the kids stress about school, making friends, being accepted…it goes on and on. The question is: How do we deal with all this stress and the feelings of helplessness it brings?
As Christians, our first source of comfort and release from stress comes through our faith in Jesus Christ and knowing that God is in charge of the universe. As scripture says: If God be for us, who can be against us? People think we boast when this verse is quoted, but just think about it… If the One who holds the highest power…even to give and take life… is on our side… loving us, watching over us and protecting us at all times… why should we worry about being defeated?
Compassion for others and the reactions of those around us often brings us to tears. Even Jesus, when his friend Lazarus died, wept along with those around Him. Lazarus’ sister, Mary, fell at Jesus feet saying, “Lord, if thou had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Jesus saw her crying along with the Jews who had come with her to meet Him. John 11:33 tells us: He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept.
Luke 19 tells of when Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time. !9:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it.
Compassion is a good thing and should never be lost. All the shootings and now the hurricanes bring out the best in people as we reach out to help however we can. It also can tend to desensitize us when the burden of loss and inability to stop it seems too much. We all need an escape from the horrors of life where the reality of God’s love can recharge our spirits and set us free from stress if only for a short time.
Many times, Jesus broke away from the crowds of people who followed Him daily, and found a place to be alone and pray. These times of solitude and communication with God, His Father, were needed in order to refresh His spirit and renew His determination to follow through with God’s plan of bringing salvation to this world of hurting people.
We too need to find a quiet place and simply spend time with Jesus. Take a break from focusing on the problems and direct our attention to the One who can calm and comfort like no other. Let Him remind you of who you are to Him and the love He has for you while singing praise to Him as well. Embrace the reality that your soul is safely hidden in the cleft of the Rock, called Jesus, while the debris of life falls all around.
Let’s sing along with Psalm 57: Be merciful unto me. O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusts in thee: yea in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be past.
