Steps to Overcome the Insanity of Stress
By Dr. Ruben Burguete. Associate Pastor at the First Baptist Church in Caldwell, TX and father of three.
The American Institute of Stress, states that "83% of US adults suffer from stress. The American Psychological Association says that the average child today reports more anxiety than child psychiatric patients in the 1950's. Jesus knew how much stress damages our souls. Jesus said: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV). Jesus presented three steps that will lead us beyond the insanity of a stressed life to the fullness of life and that Jesus wants us to have.
The first step is to come to Jesus. He said, "Come to me" This means that if we are tired and burdened, it's because we've been going in the wrong direction, pursuing the wrong goals, or seeking rest in the wrong places. We all know what it's like to go in the wrong direction and have the GPS tell you to make a U-turn. That is precisely what many of us have to do today. We need to turn around from the lifestyle we're currently living in order to go to Jesus.
The second step is to let go. The reason people get overloaded is that they're trying to control everything. Well, today I have to tell you something dear friend. You're not the master of the universe. Don't play God. It's ridiculous. You don't have the ability to do it all. Jesus said: "Take my yoke upon you." The purpose of a yoke is to make the load lighter by dividing it between two. But it is also a symbol of association. When a yoke is placed on two animals, they go in the same direction, same place, same time, same pace. When Jesus uses this metaphor, He is asking that we summit to Him; His will, His direction and His own pace.
The last step is to follow the example of Jesus. Jesus said, "learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls". Simply put, do it his way. If anyone lived a balanced and healthy life, it was Jesus. What is it that we need to learn? In a world where we are taught that "dog eats dog" we need to let Jesus lead us in a lowly and humble life.
This isn't something you achieve overnight. No, it's a learning process (discipleship). Reducing stress in life isn't going to happen in an instant. Why? Because stress is the accumulation of tension in life. Overload is the result of bad habits. So, the question is very simple. Why don't you trust God 100% and leave everything to Him? Accept Jesus' invitation to find rest for your soul; rest from the insanity of stress!
From the Editors...
Ruben, God bless you in your ministry! Our community is fortunate to have such a Christ-like individual looking after our spiritual well-being.
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