By Judy Douglass
Last
week I was speaking to a group of 100 women about Living a Better
Story. I was rushing to pray with the program team. I had my computer,
my speaking notes and a very important sweater to complete my outfit-all
in the passenger's seat. So I decided to go around to get it all, put
my keys in my purse and added it to the pile-and did what I always do-I
locked the door and shut it.
Sigh. Locked out!
I
could speak without everything but the sweater. It took about 15
minutes to find someone who could break into my car, another 10 to
accomplish the deed. I missed the prayer time, but had plenty of time
before I was up to speak.
Stuff
happens. Problems occur. Many are minor, but some cause anxiety,
frustration, strained relationships, financial struggles; others are
even life threatening. It all adds up to stress. And stress takes a
terrible toll on our health, our attitudes, our energy.
We
each have our own ways to handle stress: worry, talk to a friend, go
shopping or get some chocolate, take a walk, work harder.
When
the stress rises in my life, I usually want three things: peace in the
midst of it, wisdom to know what to do and power or strength to handle
it. Only one person can provide these things.
God knows how to handle each problem, every stressor-and he is willing to tell us.
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Peace:
He urges us not to worry, but to rejoice, give thanks and tell him all
about it, in all situations, every time. "Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation, 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." (Philippians 4:6-7.)
Wisdom:
He has it-supernatural wisdom. Just ask and he will share. "If any of
you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)
Power:
So many situations are beyond my abilities. But God gives us his
Spirit, living in us, filling us, enabling us to draw on his
supernatural power for every circumstance.
How do we access these amazing provisions? Let your first stop be God.
King David tells us he was always in constant, uninterrupted conversation with God,
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that's the key. "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will
not be shaken."(Psalm 16:8)
Talk with God as you walk through your day. When a problem comes, when anxiety
grows,
when stress increases, let your first stop be God. Talk to him: Tell
him all about it. Thank him. Even rejoice. Ask him for what you
need-even as you keep walking, or talking to someone else, or begin
dealing with the issue.
When we make God our first stop, he will give us the peace, wisdom and power for every problem.
Judy
Douglass is a graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in
journalism. She has been on the staff of Cru since 1964, serving with
various publications. Judy currently assists her husband, Steve, in
giving leadership to Cru. Her primary focus is Women's Resources. She is
the author of four books, Single and Complete, He Loves Me,What Can a Mother Do? and Letters to My Children: Secrets of Success. Judy has written for numerous magazines and blogs regularly at www.JudyDouglass.com
