You Asked For It, Week 4: Stress

Stress stats from the AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STRESS: 44% of Americans feel more stressed than they did 5 years ago 1 in 5 Americans experience EXTREME stress (hands shaking, heart palpitations, depression) 60% of all disease and illness is caused by stress. 3 out of 4 doctors visits are for stress related ailments. Stress increases the risk of heart attack by 25% and of stroke by 50%. Stress related ailments cost the nation $300 Billion a year in medical bills and lost productivity I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV) God never promised to TAKE AWAY what troubles you, but to give you PEACE IN THE MIDST of what troubles you. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV) My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Selah) Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV) Where will my soul find rest? This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it… Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)  …and you will find rest for your souls… Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) Establish PRIORITY But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT) You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT) Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV) Live a life you are PASSIONATE about. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV) "Working hard for something we don't care about is called STRESS. Working hard for something you love is called PASSION." – Simon Sinek POUR OUT your life. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV) Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV) Keep an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)