Have you ever noticed that if you are well rested, you can handle the burdens of life easier? Science tells us that we need to get seven or eight hours of sleep to be well rested. But the Bible says we will only find true rest in the Lord. Jesus says we can give our burdens to Him, and He will take them away and give us peace in return. So the next time anxiety strikes, stop carrying those burdens alone! Instead, give them to Jesus and He will help you have peace, as this post explains.
"How You Can Eliminate Stress and Anxiety" by Dr. Jack Graham
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
I was watching television not long ago, and they were doing a report about how people today are experiencing more stress in their lives than ever before. They talked about Japan, where some workers are dying because they’re working upwards of 17 hours a day. And here in the U.S., three-quarters of Americans are currently experiencing physical symptoms of stress.
I believe that one of the biggest reasons for this epidemic is that so many today live under an illusion of rest. They think, “Oh, I get 7 or 8 hours of sleep, so I’m rested.” But real rest and rejuvenation doesn't come by sleeping. It comes by having someone who can take your burdens away and give you peace.
Now don’t get me wrong here, you need sleep. In fact, you also need to be taking planned time off from your daily job to recuperate from those daily stresses. But the best remedy to stress doesn't come from a few days away. It comes from God. He’s the only one who can truly give you peace that surpasses all understanding.
So if you’re dealing with stress, let God know because you’re promised that when you do, His perfect peace will overcome you and your heart and mind will be guarded in Christ Jesus!
Getting rid of stress is about more than just taking a break. Give your anxieties to God and let His peace fill you!
Psalm 55:22
Jesus, You said You would take my burdens. I am giving them to You now. I give You my anxiety and I trust You to fill me with peace instead.
Am I finding my rest in Jesus, or do I forget Him and try to rely on my own abilities to deal with anxiety?
Find your rest in Jesus! When you lay down to sleep at night, hand your burdens to the Lord for safekeeping. (Remember to leave your burdens with Him when you awake in the morning!)
Giving up your burdens to the Lord will help you find true rest. A rest that is much more than a good night’s sleep; it is a rest that is filled with peace that passes understanding. Anxiety cannot live where peace rules. Remember, when you surrender your burdens to the Lord, make sure you don’t take them back from the hands of Jesus. The next post will help you understand why you must spend time with God daily to develop the habit of completely surrendering your burdens to Him to become free from anxiety.
