STRESSED OUT - STRUNG OUT

Why am I so stressed out? Why do I feel like I am stretched so tight I feel like I'm about to fly into a million pieces? We have either heard that question or asked that question a lot. Many feel as if the pressure of life itself is too much. In his book, "Changed Into His Image", Professor Jim Berg discusses his formula for relieving the pressure so many are under in this day and age. His approach is not single-focused, rather it is multi-dimensional. He challenges believers to find balance in their lives spiritually, physically, and mentally. You must be taking care of yourself physically and you must be continually learning to think on things in God's way. Realizing that much of our stress comes from not being where we need to be spiritually to handle the pressures of life. Our sin will block God's power from flowing in and through our lives and will leave us feeling helpless and many times hopeless. Once you have allowed yourself to live in your victory over sin you must also allow yourself to see every pressure and resource from God's perspective. Much of our stress and pressure comes from feeling as if we do not have the resources to handle life's difficulties. When we come to realize that it is never our resources but God's that are needed and that God's resources are never limited or inadequate we can begin to tap into those resources in our lives. Dr. Berg gives us four steps to developing a renewed mind. First, we must stop the old practice. Over and over in the New Testament, we are told to put off the old and put on the new. This is especially true in the area of our thought life. Secondly, humbly realize that you cannot handle these things on your own and go to God in surrender and meekness. Thirdly, receive God's Word and meditate on it continuously. Lastly, do what the word tells you to do. Become a doer of the Word and not just a hearer only. God wants us to face life with joy in our hearts and a song on our lips. We can, as we learn to trust Him, walk with Him, and glorify Him in all aspects of our lives.