Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

May 11th, 2008

 

"Honking at Your Tail Lights (Part 3)"

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV).

For the answer to how to get rid of the distress in our lives, I have turned to Paul's writing to the Thessalonians. First he says to make a strong commitment. Notice he says, “Make it your ambition.” Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says that it means to "strive earnestly." Reducing stress requires a commitment to change the way we live. We will not lead quiet lives unless we strive for it in the way Paul describes here.

Second, Paul says, pray specifically about your responsibilities. I have been in those places where I felt overwhelmed with my “to-do list.” I have found that when I take a break to meditate and pray, it refreshes my spirit and renews my strength to take on the tasks. It is a constant truth in our lives that while sometimes God does change our circumstances in response to our prayers, often He doesn't. Instead, He changes us as we trust Him.

Third, resolve relationship problems. In my opinion, relationship problems are the biggest cause of stress. You can do the right things—exercise, keep a sane schedule, pray about your responsibilities—but none of it will decrease your stress if you have an open wound in a relationship. And it doesn't have to be big.

Fourth, take time off—even when you are busy. Most of us know we should take a day off each week to rest. But when it's crunch time, we skip our Sabbaths because of busyness. Often we just don't take a rest until it's too late and we're burnt out.

Fifth, learn to say no. You may be stressed simply because you have overextended yourself. Walking with Christ doesn't mean that you must serve every time you are asked. It's not a sin to say no. Here's a helpful response when you're asked to serve: "Let me think and pray about it for a week. I tend to overextend myself and end up not doing a good job at anything. If you need an answer now, it will have to be no." This will help you avoid "impulse serving.”