Meditations on Healthy Living

Psalms 120:1 In my troubles, I pled with GOD to help me and HE did! [Living Bible]

Psalms 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD. HE will carry them. [Living Bible]

Psalms 18:28 My GOD turns my darkness into light. [New International translation]

Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in YOU. [New International translation]

1 Peter 5:7 Let HIM have all your worries and cares, for HE is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. [Living Bible translation]

Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell GOD your needs and don’t forget to thank HIM for HIS answers. [Living Bible]

Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with GOD. [New International translation.]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

The greatest weapon against STRESS is the word of God.

The GREATEST WEAPON against STRESS is THE WORD of GOD.

THE GREATEST WEAPON AGAINST stress IS THE WORD OF GOD.

THE GREATEST WEAPON against stress IS THE WORD OF GOD.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD.

If we are not careful, stressful events can seem “bigger than life.” This is especially so, when we are caught in the grip of anxiety, fear, insecurity, doubt, depression worry---often caused by stress events.

Constantly hearing talk about how stressful the world seems to be because of (war, nuclear threats, hunger, hurricanes, earthquakes, riots, hatred, prejudice, crime, bullying, difficult workplaces, difficult school settings, homelessness, injustices in numerous settings and dissention in homes, churches, government, and unease in so many people’s minds “about the future”) it is easy to lose “prospective.”

Reading the WORD OF GOD and meditating on scriptures like those listed above help us put things back in their proper “spiritual order” because stress and stressful events are not and never will be bigger than GOD.

Reinforcing our minds and hearts with scripture is like reading the first lines of this comment section. Initially stress becomes our focus but if we continue to reading and study the how others like Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Job, Esther, Ruth, Joseph, Daniel, Elijah, JESUS dealt with adversity and stressful events, each of us can come to realize that what HE has done for others, HE can do for me too. We too can come to the realization that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD

THE WORD OF GOD, is a transformative, portable, living, dynamic, healing, SPIRIT filled WORD, in all times, but especially in times of stress.

EXERCISE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

There are a number of studies showing that exercise can often help with stress management.

According to the Mayo Clinic in “Exercise and Stress: Get moving to manage stress,” exercise in almost any form can help to manage stress. According to the Mayo Clinic when you exercise it pumps up your endorphins. Endorphins are released from the pituitary gland of the brain and are associated with feelings of pleasure, pain relief, motivation, pleasure or euphoria. They are released during times of strenuous or a rousing exercise. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469

Mayo Clinic notes that regular exercise can improve your mood, relax you, increase your self-confidence and help you think calmer and clearer. Focusing on an exercise task, instead of “your stressful event” can make you more energized and more optimistic. You are meditating and thinking about movement instead of your day’s irritation or other stomach churning and head throbbing events of your day.

Some breathing type exercises that reduce stress and muscle tension include: Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Qong and Pilates.

More high energy type activities may include: Martial Arts, basketball, racketball, tennis, running, dancing, spinning or other aerobic exercises.

If you don’t want a formal exercise program, just getting moving will help. For example, gardening, walking around the block, taking the stairs during your lunch break, performing a few stretching exercises (like head rolls, shoulder shrugs, raising your hands above your head, trying to clasp your fingers behind your back, making circles with your arms and hands, even while sitting in a chair) can help.

If you have a medical condition, speak with your personal physician to determine what exercises is right for you.

DON’T LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED

JESUS said:

Let not your heart be troubled; believe in GOD, believe also in ME.

(John 14:1)

The WORD of GOD assures us that in troubling times, we don’t have to be troubled. We don’t have to be stressed.

Have faith in GOD and believe! Continue to study and meditate on scripture and move.

Keep things in proper prospective and BE BLESSED.