All Stressed Up and Nowhere to Go

Written by John Grant

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27, NLV

In today’s world it is virtually impossible to avoid stress. Almost everyone is carrying some amount of it, in varying degrees. Many find it increasingly difficult to simply survive in the world we live in. You’re probably stressed out right now. That’s okay. It’s understandable. So is everybody else, according to a study released recently.

The study measured the forty largest metropolitan statistical areas in the country, focusing on six factors that cause or are caused by stress: high unemployment, long commute times, long work hours, limited access to health care, poor physical health and a lack of exercise. And, I live in the fourth most stressful city in the nation. No wonder I am stressed out, but at least I have good company.

In desperation, people are seeking relief for their problems through any remedy they can find. Our culture is inundated with self-help books, therapists, time-management workshops, massage parlors, and recovery programs (to name just the tip of the iceberg). Everyone talks about returning to a “simpler” way of life, but no one seems to even know exactly what that means, or how to attain it.

Many of us cry out like Job, “The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me.” (Job 30:27). The problem is that people are looking for all the right solutions in all the wrong places. Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus’ gift is a gift that the world cannot give. It is a peace that surpasses all human and worldly understanding. The Bible is the only self-help book that can give you true inner peace and overcome the stress of the world. So, if you are stressed out, follow this simple formula: Read five psalms and one chapter of Proverbs each day and you will discover true peace and overcome the stress of the world.

Question: What has been stressing you out lately? Have you been bringing these things to God in prayer?

You can have a full, abundant, purposeful and fruitful life in Christ!

John Grant

John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney. He was previously a professor at the University of South Florida College of Business. He is an active writer and frequent speaker and lives with his wife Beverley in Tampa Florida. They have three children and six grandchildren. They are actively involved at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa. He can be reached by e-mail at John.Grant@johngrant.net.

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