There are times for all of us when the pace or pressure of life gets a
bit much. Perhaps you've heard someone say something like, "Stop the
world, I want to get off!" Maybe you were the one saying it!
At this time of year most of us are
feeling the effects of the year's work and stress as it has added up
over the months. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the long-term
effects of stress, especially if you have been through a long period of
battling with a physical illness, troubled relationships, grieving over
a loss, or financial pressure.
Don't you just wish that somehow all the
pain, stress, worry, sadness and anxiety could just come to a sudden
stop and disappear completely? You are not alone in wishing for this -
all of us have had such moments.
Compare the stressful situation to a song
playing on a cassette or CD. You may not be able to make the sound
disappear altogether, but imagine you had a remote control and you could
press the 'pause' button - the result would be peace and quiet for a
while, without you having to listen to the sad or stressful sounds any
longer.
The key to this 'pause' is to take some
time somewhere and literally force yourself to NOT think about the
situation, but to rather take you thoughts to somewhere that makes you
peaceful or happy. Think back to a time or place in your past where you
enjoyed yourself and had fun. Ideally, find a memory that does not have
sadness attached to it. For example: if you've just gone through a
divorce, thinking back to the happiness on the wedding day may be
clouded by the sadness of what has happened afterwards, so think of
something with just peace or joy attached. Even if it's something
simple, such as the best hamburger you ever had when you were a child.
You may not have any happy memories that come to mind - if that's the
case BORROW some joy from somewhere else. Think about how happy you
would be if you were an astronaut walking on the moon, or a hiker
walking in a beautiful valley or a ballerina dancing to a graceful tune.
Feel the emotion, breathe deeply and then actively remember that God
wants this kind of joy and peace for you.
Many of us know the scripture from
Philippians 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." We are familiar with the
power of prayer and petition (asking) when we are going through tough
times. But just before this scripture in verse 4 of the same chapter, we
are told, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
The prefix 're' before a word usually means 'do again'. So, I like to
think this verse is telling me to have joy again: 're-joice'.
There are many scriptures that remind us
to keep our minds focused on good things and on Godly thoughts, but it
is difficult to do this sometimes. Check your own situation right now.
Are you tired and heavy of heart or mind? If you are, you may have been
listening to the 'music' of stress, sorrow or suffering far too long.
You may even have prayed at length about your situation, as Phil. 4:6-7
says, but your emotions are still very low. Why not take a moment today
to press 'pause' and stop the 'music' of your circumstances for some
time, while you get your mind in a place of peace and joy again. A
moment like this spent in the presence of God can give you much-needed
renewed strength for your life's journey. Press 'pause' today!
