As we start off a new year, one thing most of us want is more energy. We have long to do lists, but find ourselves fading as the day goes on. We can’t seem to find the energy needed to finish the day. Wouldn’t it be great to end your day as strong as you started it?
If you are lacking the energy needed to get through your day, if you struggle to maintain a healthy weight, if you find yourself sick more than you’d like, if you feel a bit depressed and don’t know why – it could be stress.
Stress absolutely effects your health. Stress doesn’t only effect you emotionally, it also effects you physically. Some studies state that as many as 75% of all doctor visits are really caused by stress. The root cause of depression, heart problems, difficulty sleeping, stomach issues, weight gain, and so much more is often stress. It is now called “the deadly emotion”
As we strive for better health, most wellness plans focus solely on exercise and diet. Yes, exercise and diet are important to our health, but we can’t overlook what is causing us to stress and worry.
You will never reach optimal health if you are stressed and worried.
What can you do to reduce the stress in your life? This is a question you need to think about. I have found the best way for me to reduce my stress level is to trust God. I’m not talking about just saying the words because it’s what a Christian is supposed to say, I’m talking about complete trust that leads to peace in all situations.
The only way you can trust like this is to draw closer and closer to God. The closer you are to God the easier it is to cast your worries onto Him and reduce the stress in your life. When you fully grasp that God loves you, He’s in control and He has a plan for your life, you will feel more peaceful and have more energy.
Stress can creep into our lives for different reasons. For many of us it comes from lack of contentment. We want more, we fear we won’t have enough, we push harder to make more. The desire for more is robbing us of joy and causing us stress.
One of the greatest Christ-followers ever, Paul, said “… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11-12)
Now that’s a lifestyle we should all strive for – contentment in ALL situations. The word “contentment” has gotten a bad rap. Too often contentment is paired up with settling. If you are content, you have settled. Actually, contentment doesn’t mean you have settled it means you are settled.
When you replace stress with peace you will be on your way to better health. I’m not saying cut out the workouts or eat all the ice cream you want, I’m saying exercise, eat healthy AND trust God with all parts of your life so your stress and worries melt away.
When you feel yourself getting stressed, it’s so important to have God’s words in your mind.
I challenge you to memorize 2 verses that bring you comfort. Here are a few that help me.
John 14:27 (peace)
Philippians 4:6 (anxiety)
1 Peter 5:7 (worry)
Psalm 121 (help from God)
Isaiah 43:2 (helo in times of troubles)
Knowing, trusting and believing in God’s plan will effect our eternity but it will also reduce our stress levels and help us to live a more joyful, energized, healthy life!
QUESTIONS FOR SELF-REFLECTION AND GROUP DISCUSSION
**What is causing you stress at this time?
What can you do to replace stress with peace?
What is causing discontentment in your life? How can you release it?
Michelle's BLOG in Faith & Fitness Magazine will help you examine the joy God intends for you to have through fitness. Her ministry is to help you discover a new level of enthusiasm in your regular exercise practices and personal faith in Jesus Christ. Bookmark her blog and keep returning for more new inspiration from Michelle on ENERGY. Be sure to post a Facebook comment below before you leave this page.
