Do you feel stressed out? Do you have way too much going on in your life? Do you have a habit of over-thinking things or making things more complicated than they need to be?
I’m definitely guilty of this. In fact, my word for this year is SIMPLICITY.
As a result, I’m doing practical things like purging my closets, but I’m also practicing spiritual disciplines like learning contentment and how to be more peaceful instead of stressing out over things.
Stress is one of the factors that has a negative impact on our health and weight.
When we are under constant stress, our body releases a hormone called cortisol. It disrupts almost all your body’s processes. This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Heart disease
- Sleep problems
- Weight gain
- Poor memory
Finding Peace Daily
Much of our stress can be eliminated if we change our expectations for how life should be.
The world says that peace comes when you’ve reached your goals; when you’ve met the perfect man, attained the perfect weight, made the right amount of money, or finally cleaned your house perfectly.
God’s definition of peace is not based on our accomplishments.
God offers you peace in the midst of your circumstances. He doesn’t want you to wait until you get things right before you can have peace or rest—he’s offering it to you right now.
This might be why you struggle to find peace:
- Peace is not found in a good doctor report
- Peace is not found when you’re at your goal weight
- Peace is not found when you have enough money
- Peace is not about life going smoothly
Peace is the knowledge of the fact that Christ is with you at the doctor’s office; when you step on the scale; when life is not going smoothly, and when you’re low on funds.
You need to understand that God does not offer you a life of luxurious ease. He offers you a shared burden (yoke) with the brunt of the effort falling on Jesus’ shoulders. You’re still doing the work, but Jesus is doing the heavy lifting. That is what true peace means.
Jesus says:
“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
Starting today, you can decrease your stress levels and find peace in the midst of your storms by knowing and trusting that God is with you—walking with you in the hard times.
You’ve already tried your own methods and they did not work, so why not try another way?
What burdens are you facing right now? Take a deep breath and trust him.
Are you worried that you will never lose the excess weight? Trust God and call to Him whenever you’re feeling like you can’t do it.
The battle is the Lord’s. Are you willing to worry less and trust God more?
If you want to learn practical and biblical health and life principles, be sure to check out our video course program at Cathymorenzie.com
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