Unhealthy Stress
Philippians 4:6-7
New King James Version
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I have heard about healthy stress. The type that makes you "a go-getter" and allows you to outperform your expectations. So, what does unhealthy stress look like? I believe that we all have an answer to that question. To be specific, I think about my visit to McDonald's while waiting on a car repair. Seeing the displeasure in the fast-food workers’ disposition reminded me of stress, the bad kind. One person was incredibly stressed as one order was made in error causing a longer wait time for customers. Her stress caused her to drop a food item and all I thought about was how I needed to encourage her. When my order was ready, she was very apologetic and I said, “Thank you and don't stress about it.”
It is not always easy to speak to a perfect stranger in that way, but my smile and her smile were the affirmation that we both needed. I began to reflect on how I was able to be better, less stressed. The type of stress I saw in these workers was unhealthy and led to unnecessary mistakes. Unhealthy stress that is left unchecked leads to adverse effects on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Besides, we will all make mistakes. Why not reduce the added mistakes brought on by eliminating negative stress.
I was not too happy about going to the car mechanic again about the same issue, but something took place before heading out. I had a conversation with God about intent. Through the Holy Spirit, I received clarity on those who have intentionally tried to make life difficult and the mechanics who were not doing things intentionally. It is not like they made additional money from my visits and the time I lost was not worth getting stressed out. The good news is I remained calm, avoided stress, and resolved car issues at no cost.
John 15:4
New King James Version
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
What is my goal for those who will read this blog? I want to emphasize the importance of taking the peace of God with you in every situation. How we start our day can greatly impact how we see and respond to others. Even if you have a bad day, taking time with God in prayer, reading, conversation, meditating, reflection, singing, and just engaging in an ongoing relationship with Him will always be better than abiding by unhealthy stress.
The next time you feel stressed remember: Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God”
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Guest Contributor:
Tanisha Washington
Rethink Church
Merrillville, Indiana