Tag Archives: stress

“I feel so stressed out!” my friend sobbed. “Pain and troubles tangle together, and I don’t know which way to turn.”

I understood. I had felt that way on some days last year.

No doubt you’ve heard about how to eat an elephant—one bite at a time. It reminds us that we can do things better if we attempt small tasks that will eventually add up to the desired end.

But surely the elephant had sat down on me, and its weight kept me immobilized. Emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed, I couldn’t think straight and misunderstood situations and people The problems piled up before I could begin to sort out my thoughts and feelings.

Nevertheless, I needed to deal with one thing at a time, trusting God to lead me through the tangled mess. I asked for prayer to regain my composure. Then I looked at one difficulty—my anger at a couple of people whom I felt had treated me unfairly.

I can’t change what other people do, but I can choose how I process the emotional pain caused by others. I can remain angry and become bitter and depressed.

That stirs up the flight or fight hormones resulting in stress to both body and mind.

Or instead, I can seek God’s help so I can forgive from my heart and find peace amid my pain.

Challenge: What can you do when life slams you from several directions at once?