Our little holiday beckoned us to hurry, Already we were late for our appointment in Toronto. I eased my aching body into the car seat and felt the stress slide away. From here on, the travelling was out of my control. Tom was driving. My back relaxed somewhat. The pain receded to a manageable level. Stress, I thought, makes my back hurt even more. How can I decrease the stress in my life?
On this particular day, I knew the source.
- Guilt – Thanks to my recent back injury, Tom had to do all the packing. I tried, It had taken me a half hour just to put a few things into my suitcase. I kept needing to stop and rest. I’d get up and put two or three things in the suitcase and have to sit back down.
- I really wasn’t well enough to travel.
- We were late leaving.
Once in the car, there was nothing I could do or should be doing. The relief was amazing. I said a silent prayer of thanksgiving that we were finally on the road. I asked for safe travel, and opened my devotional book to do my morning meditation. The writer introduced Psalm 27: “God is my strength and my salvation whom shall I fear.” Immediately, my mind slowed down. Of course, God is with us, I thought. Instead of fretting, I should have gotten this out when I first got up as I do every morning. Start your day with God has been my mantra for nearly thirty years. Now is not the time to change that pattern.
When stress seems to be running your life, I offer this solution:
- Identify the source.
- Discuss your problems with God,
- Read your favourite scriptures
Your faith may not change your life situation but it will change your attitude. Focusing on God’s strength and care helps us face our lives with patience and confidence.
Scripture: “God is my strength and my salvation whom shall I fear.” (Psalm 27: 1)