“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30, NIV

When I find my heart racing, I’m sweating, stressing out, and, immediately I understand that I have entered a state of being that is opposite of Jesus’s rest described in the scriptures above. I have taken on a yoke that is too heavy for me. I have found agitation, fear and worry for my soul. One of the things I have to keep in the forefront of my mind is that the Lord has not given me a spirit of chaos or fear. . . no matter what is going on around me. He’s always given me a place to rest my soul when I meditate on Him and who He is.

We’re inundated with so much on the internet and various media outlets in reference to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and other disastrous circumstances happening around us. We can begin to feel overwhelmed as if there is no hope left in this world. These things can drain even the strongest of us, and depression can start to creep in. In fact, a single chaotic situation can bring us into a stressful state, so much so that we’re tense for hours even after we’ve calmed down a bit. Stress has negative effects on the body, mind, and spirit. 

For instance, I was dealing with a stressful situation the other day. A debt that I paid off kept showing up on my account. I called the company, spoke with the customer service department, and asked the representative to check the account, and she gave me various balances. She couldn’t even decipher which one was correct. After hours on the phone trying to correct the issue, I found myself so stressed out, I couldn’t calm down. I was dealing with so many emotions all at once; shock, anger, anxiety, frustration, and irritation.

I realized that I was bombarded by emotions that were simultaneously causing my stress level to climb and climb. My body was getting into fight or flight mode quickly. Once I started to feel a headache coming on, I knew I had to get myself under control. Here are a few things I did to help myself calm down and de-stress sooner rather than later:  

1. I prayed! Immediately, I prayed over my body and mind despite the situation. 
2. I called an encouraging prayer partner for help in gaining perspective.
3. I listened to worship music and joined in with singing Word-based songs that helped me to declare God’s promises over my life.
4. I had to remember to take care of myself. For example, I ate a healthy meal, exercised, took a warm bath, made some herbal tea, and watched something funny on TV. 
5. Later I prayed again then went to bed early. (The next day, the issue was resolved completely). 

During times of stress, it is so important to get alone in a place where you can hear from God. It’s also important to allow Him to fill you with His Love and Grace. I began to search for scriptures and ways to create an environment that fostered a soothing, peaceful atmosphere in which the presence of God could be recognized and appreciated. 

I’ll leave you with this little nugget of encouragement. Remember to meditate on the Word of God. . . and pray at all times. Always remember to pray despite the situation.  Below are some of my favorite scriptures I’m meditating on currently that have helped me to destress. 

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, there shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

Psalm 91:9-11, AMPC

So do not fear, for I am with you;

     do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

     I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10, NIV

Then Jesus came close to them and said, “All the authority of the universe has been given to me. Now go in my authority and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.”

Matthew 28:18-20, TPT

Thank you for visiting my blog today. I hope this helps! Feel free to give feedback on any subject you would like for me to research and cover. Thanks again, and have a blessed (not stressed) day!