STRESS? SOME SELF-TALK ON THE SUBJECT

It's the beginning of the school year, and already I feel stress. While on vacation, God and I did some talking on the subject (it's a good time to get some perspective), and here are some thoughts:

Stress is natural and normal, to some degree. As Jesus said, each day has enough trouble of its own. Solomon agrees, that all is vanity and much striving after the wind. However, there is also unnatural or self-induced stress, and I don't need to subject myself to that.

Bad stress always occurs when I try to do what God calls me to do PLUS . . .
. . . PLUS what He called me to do in the past, but He no longer does
. . . PLUS what people expect of me (parents, family, friends, enemies, critics, etc.)
. . . PLUS my own ambitions (personal agenda)
. . . PLUS what my religious system requires of me (meetings, witnessing, law, standards, maintain appearances, etc.)

Bad stress happens when priorities get out of line,so that I want to accomplish God's will PLUS look good in the eyes of others. But when I am content to see God's glory in Jesus Christ, and to know nothing else but what He requires of me, I will find balance, peace, joy and fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life.

"LORD, let me do Your will today, nothing more, nothing less. I know that you have given me this job, and that some things come with carrying out the responsibilities assigned to me. Help me to discern the difference between being a responsible employee and being a people-pleaser. Go before me, behind me, within me, as I walk in the light of Your presence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God without end. Amen."
-ker