After a stressful week, sometimes I wonder if I am making any difference at all. I question myself if I am living the Christian life and ministry right or not. Stress and anxiety get in the way of how I really want to be. I don’t want sources of anxiety to overpower the work I need to do or the difference I want to make in our church and community. I don’t want stress to get in the way of my good attitude.
Sometimes, I feel guilty that I can’t accomplish everything I set out to do, which causes me more stress. I keep adding more and more to my to-do lists (yes, I said lists as in I have more than one), and when I do, I get overwhelmed with worry about doing it all and getting it all right. I set standards for myself that no one could live up to.
Then I am reminded…
Alex, you need to do what you can and what you can’t, you can…
- PRAY and MEDITATE – Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This is even possible with a packed schedule. Talk to God and let your thoughts dwell on Him and His word. Think of things that the Lord has done for you, meditate on each thing for a few minutes, and praise God for the blessings He gives you.
- ORGANIZE your LIFE – 1 Corinthians 14:40 – But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. When Paul writes this, he talks about how things should be done in worship, but I think the principle can be applied to how we organize our priorities. Get things in order. Get rid of the clutter. Make a list or lists of things to accomplish and stick to them. Be committed to keeping a pulse on your appointments and obligations. At the top of your list, each week needs to be spending time with your church family in worship, and everything else can fall where it may.
- STRIVE for HEALTH – 1 Corinthians 9:27 – but I discipline my body and make it my slave. Paul sets an excellent example for us of how taking care of our bodies is a good thing to do. Don’t eat junk food; it will only make you depressed. Healthy foods with vitamins and minerals provide energy and can improve your mood. It can give you long-lasting energy to help you attack your day and be more productive. Look for ways to spend time exercising and moving the body God gave you. It gives you time to be alone in your thoughts and releases endorphins into your brain, improving your mood. Get good quality sleep and use that time to recharge yourself so that you can serve God in the next day He gives you.
Sure, stress, anxiety, and depression hit all of us, and sometimes, what we think we can do in our busy lives is just push through it to attack the next thing. We need to do what we can and what we can’t, we can… PRAY and MEDITATE, ORGANIZE your LIFE, and STRIVE for HEALTH.
I hope this helps you. It sure enough helps me.
I love you,
Alex