Stress is no stranger to me. The root of this stress comes from a desire to be the best I can be, meet high expectations, and be a person that people can count on. However, the overflow of this stress often leaves me feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, frustrated, anxious, and tired.
If you know me, you I'm an over thinker. You know that I take the cake for "the world's worst decision maker" and you know that one of my biggest fears is not meeting the expectations of others.
We can all relate to the demands of life and the exhausting schedules that combine academics, extracurricular activities, friends, family, work, responsibilities, and planning for the future. No matter what phase of life you're in right now, the demands of your unique phase of life tug hard. It is only natural to feel weighed down by the pressures we face daily and the desire to live a successful life.
There are days when stress may be easy to suppress and other days where it hits like a tsunami. This week I was hit by the stress tsunami that left me tearful and overwhelmed. After surviving, I feel it's only right to share the key to survival.
How would you feel if I told you that you never had to worry for the rest of your life? It sounds impossible, right? What if I told you that the intricate details of your very life were planned out perfectly and completely? Good news- they have been.
Psalm 121 tells us of this assurance we have in God.
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121: 1-8
Countless times this week I have read this passage and was instantly filled with perfect peace. We waste so much precious time letting worry, fear, and stress take hold of our lives. Why is it so hard for us to realize that we don't hold the keys to a successful life and a second of worry doesn't add to our lives but simply takes away from it. Through Christ, we have victories over these strongholds. Have peace knowing that the Lord knows and cares about every intricate detail of your life. Sleep soundly this week knowing that He holds your life in the palm of His hand.
