Stressed? Overwhelmed?

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One thing I love about this daily devotion site is that I can write about anything and it’ll still fall under the “devotional” category!  So, today I’ve decided to post this image. I get lots of messages and emails asking for prayers due to overwhelming situations or circumstances that is beyond our control-but God is in control. When we feel so stressed, our mind get so clouded with all kinds of events and thoughts, fears, anxiety, we become perplexed and the last thing we’d want to go is pray and get into the Word, I get that way. I know a lot of you rely on my site and my devotionals for answers which is great, but let’s dig into the Word shall we?!

Stress – Well we all have them!

Jeremiah 29:11 – We all know this verse very well, but I’ve taken this verse out the MSG and added verse 12.“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen.”
What a great way to be reminded that God is in charge!

Proverbs 29:11 -  NLT
Fools vent their anger,
but the wise quietly hold it back.
I know that when I’m stressed  I tend to talk “too much” and sometimes it’s better to just remain quiet and speak to the Lord about it, allowing Him to work.

Proverbs 3:5-MSG
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.6 Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.7 Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil.
We all want control, but leaning on our own wisdom is a recipe for failure and consequences that we can’t afford. Give it to God and let’s lean on His wisdom.

Ephesians 4:26 – HCSB
Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the Devil an opportunity.
Asking for forgiveness is the best thing we can do. Allowing anger to consume us is allowing the devil to get a foothold on you. Ever heard that saying give the devil an inch and he’ll be your RULER, nuff’ said!

Ephesians 4:31-32 -MSG — I get this way sometimes! Great reminder.
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break His heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for Himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. 31 Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.
In the midst of our crazy circumstances we all throw tantrums, get mad at God, let all kinds of vicious words out. We need to remember that God grieves too just like all of us. I forget this often. I always think He’s this powerful God that never grieves but when I cry,  I remember that He cries with/for me.  Ever said a prayer and you started sobbing? That’s because God grieves and you’re grieving over what He’s grieving.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Where are your treasures? Is not having patience or spiritual maturity worth it? When you look back at your trials and remember how painful it was and you look at yourself now, was it worth it? It usually is! Your walk has matured, that season has passed and thank God for that!

Hebrews 12:6- ESV (One of my favorite scripture because it reminds to me to live a holy and righteous life)
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.
Just like a mother/father who loves their own. God disciplines us so that we learn and grow from it.  James 2:13 says mercy triumphs over judgement. God disciplines in Love not anger.

Matthew 6:27
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life – NLT

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? – ESV
Are you worrying? We’ve all experienced it! It isn’t adding a moment to your life. Give your worries over to God and accept His peace. Easier said than done? The more you do it, the easier it’ll become.

John 14:27- HCSB
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
I once heard someone telling me, that peace is not something you get out of the box every time you ask for it. Peace comes from the roots. Deep roots. Our relationship with God is our rock, solid foundation out of it comes deep roots in that foundation. When our walk, our quiet time, our prayer life, devotions are deeply rooted we have that PEACE. That peace that transcends all understanding. No matter the circumstances, it won’t sway us because we are rock solid in God and it comes from being in close relationship with Him. Do you yearn for that? Get into the Word.

Isaiah 43:1-4 MSG
Don’t be afraid , I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end. Because I am God, your personal God. I paid a high price for you.

I pray that this devotional has helped you and maybe stirred something inside of you. Stand firm, trust God and dig into His promises. Love ya!