HOW SHOULD ONE DEAL WITH STRESSFUL SITUATIONS
As saints of God, we are not immune to stress and stressful situations. Problems, illnesses, trouble, and disappointment invites itself/themselves to our homes, our work, and our families. Sometimes, the stress is from emotions we feel concerning those, we love. We did not anticipate the COVID 19 crises; nor do we know how long restrictions will last. However, our Heavenly Father has given us a direct line to heaven through prayer for dealing with these stressful situations.
Prayer is an intimate soul conversation to a loving heavenly Father, rather than a ritual to be performed as a habit. When is it a good time to pray? ALWAYS. However, when you experience a panic attack or feel stressed out, prayer is the key to open up peace. Here are five ways to handle these situations through prayer.
When you are overwhelmed, whisper His name and he will whisper your name.
Whisper His name and listen for His echo in the quiet moments in your day.
God names the stars and He whispers your name. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them."(Psalms 147:3, 4).
When you do not have words to pray, rest knowing Jesus is praying for you. Our silence will not drive Jesus away. Nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:35-39). Not even your unrest. He will never get tired of you. Sometimes, the greatest prayer we can experience is God's complete understanding and compassion. Christ Jesus who died...is also INTERCEDING for us. Know when we do not have all the words to say Christ and the Holy Spirit speaks for us. (Romans 8:26, 34).
When you are too stressed to pray, take care of you. We feel selfish. Yet, God says, we can only comfort others, with the comfort we first receive ourselves. (2 Corinthians 1:4). Let God love you through your choices to prioritize taking care of you. We spend so much time comforting others; we sometime forget about ourselves. Take a walk outside. Listen to music. Read a good book. Confide in a friend with a cup of coffee.
When you are numb and do not want to pray, invite the Holy Spirit to comfort you. Instead of struggling to reach Jesus, invite the Holy Spirit to be responsible for you (St. John 14:26). The Holy Spirit will intercede when you simply ask for help (Romans 8:26).
When you are too exhausted to pray, rest. Elijah had done everything he knew to do—even defeating the prophets of Baal. Yet, his problems did not go away. Stress broke Elijah's spirit. In despair, Elijah woke up to find fresh bread baking on hot stones and water—left just for him. Not only that. God sent an angel — to touch him -- twice. God knew Elijah needed physical rejuvenation first — in order to hear His gentle voice, whispering in a gentle breeze (I Kings 19:7).
Prayer has power. Much prayer-much power. Little prayer – little power. No prayer-no power. The best news of each day is we are not alone. (Hebrews 13:5).
May the Lord God continue to bless you all real good. My prayer cover you.
Bishop John C. Parks, May 21, 2020.