We all live under stress, and it seems like we all love it. At least that is according to Dr. Ted L. Edwards, head of an Austin based stress management facility. The good Doctor states that “Stress is the catalyst that fuels productivity, and yet stress is also the single greatest threat to our health.” I personally don’t know anyone who hasn’t had a little stress in their lives. Stress is simply a fact of life in modern America; without stress we’re not alive. When it’s harnessed and handled effectively, stress can be a motivator that enhances health, satisfaction and personal growth. However, when stress is allowed to get out of control, it can lead to an alarming array of physical, emotional and mental problems.

Stress can be hypnotic. It has the power to freeze our capacity for thinking, and to impair our ability to concentrate. It can, if allowed, even cripple our productivity. Trying to identify what causes the stress is half the battle. All too often we allow pride to prevent us from admitting that we are distressed by something others may find only mildly annoying. As individuals, we all have our own causes for stress and our own ways of overcoming it.

Some people feel the grip of stress can be broken by a change of pace, stepping back to get a better view of the problem. Some take time away from the problem by going fishing or playing around of golf. I find reading is a stress reliever for me. All my worries and cares disappear when reading a new book from one of my favorite authors. Another good way to rid yourself of stress is by getting involved in doing something for someone else. Now, that may seem like generosity, but it’s not, it’s selfishness. When you get involved in helping solve someone else’s problems, you don’t have the time to give full attention to your own. Therefore you’re not fretting about your problems any longer or at the same time.

More important than any other though is the relief I get when I get into God’s Word. He tells us, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” His Word never fails me and it’s just as strong and active today as it was 2000 years ago. So if I’m stressed as I lay my head down at night, I just reach for God’s Word, start reading a few Psalms, and before you know I am resting peacefully. You might give it a try the next time you feel everyday stress getting to you.