Sunday, July 17, 2011

Perfect Peace

STRESS [stres] --n.  ..."a specific response by the body to a stimulus, as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism.  
Origin: c.1300, "hardship, adversity, force, pressure," in part a shortening of M.Fr. destresse  (see distress), in part from O.Fr. estrece "narrowness, oppression," from V.L. *strictia,  from L. strictus "compressed," pp. of stringere  "draw tight" (see strain (v.))."


I am finding myself more and more attuned and easily influenced by stressful circumstances, and that I am stressed by more and more pathetically insignificant things.  A dirty house.  A pile of things on the kitchen table.  Forgetting where I put that envelope that I JUST had in my hand.  


Not being able to control the little things around me makes me feel the pressure, narrowness, or drawing tight that is stress.  I don't like it.  Not.  At.  All.  And yet, I find myself living in it and wallowing in it and then blaming it for when I react poorly to a situation.  


Yet, the Lord promises: "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is fixed on You because he trusts You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock." (Is. 26:3-4)  I love that promise, but it is so difficult for me to live, fixed on and trusting in God.  Surrendering my false sense of control over the little things in my life seems impossible.  But it is something that must be done every day.  


Lord, help me to hold you as my everlasting Rock, my perfect peace.  When I am constricted by little things, help me to pray.  For you, oh Lord, hold all things in control and the Hand that cares for sparrows will also care for me.  


I have a shelter in the storm
When troubles pour upon me
Though fears are rising like a flood
My soul will rest securely
Oh Jesus I will hide in You

My place of peace and solace
No trial is deeper than Your love
That comforts all my sorrows.  
~Steve & Vikki Cook

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