Handling Stress: Self-Medicating vs God’s Presence
Trying to carry your own weight and stress in life is overwhelming and can lead one down the wrong path to self medicate with drugs and alcohol. There is a better way, a healthier path that’s found in God’s presence.
Today, I could feel the tendencies to work, fix, and achieve a set of tasks still waiting to be accomplished. It is not a peaceful feeling, rather one of anxiety and unsettling nerves. I realized I was performing good works instead of focusing on the one who gives me strength to perform good works. This is a sneaky and deceptive technique the enemy uses to distract God’s people. Once I recognized this, I stopped what I was doing to spend time with God in prayer and worship. There is nothing like the touch of His presence – so refreshing, focused, and calming.
The following scriptures came to me while I was spending time with Him. I thought I would share in case you are running around trying to handle things in your own strength.
Ps 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
Zechariah 4: 6 – “…’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.”
Ps 16:11 – “… you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Phil 4:6,7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
What/Who are you putting your trust in? Yourself, Others, or God
Do you know how to relinquish that control of trust to God? It’s found in His presence.
Are you trying to grasp a hold of understanding in your own reasoning? Let His peace guard your heart and mind through Christ.
Pharmb10
Very nice site!
Smithe199
I truly appreciate this article.Really thank you! Fantastic.
Matt
I was listening to Dr. Jerimiah about this yesterday. How the enemy uses different tools and tactics to infiltrate our lives and minds. If he cannot attack us through material possessions,lust,money, power,etc. He will use discouragement to get us down and then use a wedge to open up the door of our hearts and then attack us with the above temptations. Above all our hearts are wickedly deceitful and Satan knows this. We should NEVER think we are powerful enough to go up against Satan in the flesh. We are highly mistaken when we discount his active power over this world. It is ONLY through the Spirit if God and His armor that we have a chance. Trust in Christ,not ourselves and be refreshed and renewed in His presence. He is our only hope!
Sally
Really enjoyed the emphasis on God’s presence