by Lynn Gorton, CLM, Faith Community Health Professional
Last month, we spoke of anxiety that often comes in the season of autumn due to the physical lack of sunlight and continued stressors placed on our bodies. This month, we approach this topic by recognizing some of the symptoms of stress and anxiety and the acknowledgement of leaning toward the healing power of the Lord.
This doesn’t take away our need for medical help from professional counselors or medications from our doctors. What it can do is help us to pour some much-needed dependency back on God and allow us to find a biblical response to stress in conjunction with traditional medicine.
Most often we are people who sweat the small stuff, and this can be difficult as it will dictate our stress responses. Our physical body takes over and symptoms begin to develop:
• Crying spells or bursts of anger.
• Over-eating or under-eating.
• Losing interest in daily activities.
• Increase in physical distress symptoms such as headaches or stomach pains.
• Fatigue.
• Feeling guilty, helpless, or hopeless.
• Avoiding family and friends
The most stressful season in life comes at a moment when we realize we can’t do it all. We become reminded of our human finiteness and fallibility. Instead of becoming panicked and filled with anxiety, perhaps we can breathe in a deep sigh of relief. Recognize that we are unable to do it all and that we don’t have to…we are not enough, but Christ is! If the Creator of the universe loves us enough to die and take away all our sins, then He cares about the pressures of life that bear down on us daily. We can lean into the knowledge of the deep and providing calm that Christ has for each of us…one problem at a time.
Beginning to mediate the stress in our lives requires taking a good look at ourselves. If you count yourself in the 70 percent of stressed out, tired, irritable Americans, take a few minutes to ask yourself these questions:
• What are the primary sources of my stress?
• How often do I pray about the factors in my life causing me stress?
• Do I trust God with my work, finances, health, relationships, and future?
• What effects does my stress have on my loved ones?
After carefully answering these questions… go to the Good Book. Scripture gives us reference to go to God…pour out yourself, like a drink offering on His altar, and you will find His peace and perfect rest.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
We cannot understand why we are allowed to carry so much stress. Yet, when we trust in the Lord, we will be guided through the trials of the journey.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”- Proverbs 3:5-6
*Dear Father, thank you for who you are in my life. For as many stars as there are in the sky is your deep and unfailing love for me. This season of the year can be so challenging. I bring to you my troubles and hurts, my joys and thanksgivings, along with my stress and anxiety about what may happen tomorrow. You have promised to never leave nor forsake me. You are the shining light on which I rely. Allow me to find Scripture verses on which to stand. Cover me with the shelter of your wings as my refuge and strength. Help me surrender what holds me back to stand up in the face of uncertainties and anxiety. Make your presence known as I move ahead. Thank you for always listening to my prayers. In your mighty name, amen.
For more information, please contact Lynn Gorton CLM, FCHP LGorton@rrumc.org.