Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.
I realized in a particular season of my life that I was contributing to the external stress I was experiencing. I became focused on explaining my side of certain situations; I was more interested in fighting for my right; I found myself picking up on lousy character traits, i.e., never-ending arguments, that is what I was around. I needed to prove that I was not who I was labeled as. I felt the need to remove all the labels and tags placed on me; this became exhausting quickly.
The AHA moment for me was my blood pressure started creeping up; I remember one morning, after a heated argument, I could feel my heartbeat from my chest, it was beating so fast, I also experienced more quickly than a usual heart beat, I guess that right there I experienced was a panic attack. The question for me was, why put your body through all the stress? I realized that the keys to the solution were in my hands. It had been in my hands all the time. I was my change agent.
I decided to concentrate on what matters, things that brought enlightenment to my soul. I had to separate myself from the situation that was causing the stress. I had to go through a renewal of mind with the word of God. Philippians 4:7 says that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The most important key was when I decided to let it all go and let God help me prune off the ones wearing me out and bearing no good fruits.
I recently told someone that, I wonder why I never used all these keys earlier. The peace I have now surpassed all understanding. I am sharing this because it took me so long to tap into this revelation. Perhaps if you find yourself where I was once upon a time, try letting God prune off anything that wears you down.
Shalom
Imani.
Deep!!!