The Key to Stress Relief Lies Within You

It's the end of January. Resolutions may be languishing in the dust. The holiday bills are sitting on the counter. Its cold outside. The dark and dreary days of winter, may reflect a darkness in your own spirit. If that is the case, if you are overwhelmed, discouraged, and feeling like your problems or issues are getting the best of you, then I urge you to read God is Able by Priscilla Shirer.

Shirer unpacks, word by word, Ephesians 3:20-21. Like an older, wiser sister, Shirer assures us that whatever has us troubled, no matter how small, God has it covered. As Olivia Pope says, "It is handled."

In fact, it is more than handled. God promises He can do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.

Once more, we have the power within us to take away the fear, anxiety, self-doubt, need to be in control. All we have to do us turn unto Him. Lay it on the cross with the knowledge that He, who made the heavens and the earth and counted every hair upon your head, is there in the little nagging thought bubbles and the large tsunami of worry that washes over you on sleepless nights. He has a plan we cannot see and He wants us to turn unto Him who is able and receive His peace.

When you are in a tough place, it is difficult to discern what God has planned. Why would he let cancer take a young husband and father? Why would he call you to a new career path only for it to be taken away some months later? Why is a question we are good at asking, isn't it? "What if?" is another question that can haunt us if we allow it.

I have had those nights filled with fear, feeling out of control. I have asked those whys and what ifs. Through it all, God was teaching me that there is really little I can control, that I must decrease, the He is Lord, that he has my back and it all works out for good. Looking back I can see a thread that has run through my life drawing me to Him. And I'm learning to lean in to His promises. The more I let go of my need to be in control and lay my worries on the cross, the more peace I find. He's got this. And it will be exceeding abundantly more than I can ask or imagine. How cool is that?

Disclosure of material connection: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would give it my fair review. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."