Stressed or Rest?

Living With Stress

By Karlene A. Jacobsen 8/10/2021

Breaths come in rapid succession. My heart feels like it wants to escape my chest. If I could slow my racing thoughts long enough to sleep, I might find the coveted sensation of weightlessness as my mind eases its pace; but then, the dreams begin …

This is a common phenomenon brought on by stress. Too often, it is said, “I’m just a worrier,” or “Worry is my middle name,” as though the anxious mind is an inevitable and normal way of life that every person must endure at some point in time. Something that just needs to be managed.

Jesus knew we would be facing various levels of stress in our lives. His observation came with the promise, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He also encouraged people to avoid worry as no one can add one single day to their lives by indulging (Matthew 6:25 -27).

Worry and anxiety are generated by stressors: mortgages, car notes, student loans, jobs, family… life in general can be stressful. Consider this current pandemic. Individuals range in levels of stress from denial to hopelessness, panic, and dread. Stress is not a new phenomenon. Neither are the effects of stress on the human body.

Stress is a natural occurrence in life, and can be beneficial as an alert or warning system. However, there are physiological, psychological, and emotional repercussions of stress left unchecked. For example, physiologically, stress can result in high blood sugar, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, fertility problems, and risk for heart attack and stroke (AIS, 2020). According to the American Institute of Stress, there are 50 signs and symptoms of stress, each having some effect on the body.

Prolonged stress leaves the body in a constant state of fight or flight mode, and eventually, the noticeable, telltale symptoms will present irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, and insomnia (AIS, 2020). For these symptoms, it is common to reach for a bottle of relief, whether alcohol, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs.

As we age and delve deeper into our lives, our stress levels will not likely decrease. With this in mind, it is vital that our responses to stress are planned rather than reactions to the stressors. As people of faith, turning first to our God for wisdom is the first step to recovery for our bodies.

Take time to quiet ourselves before Him and seek His face, ask for direction. We can be confident that as we take our stressors to Him, peace and rest are waiting for us, as Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Scripture is filled with promises for rest, peace, and hope. As the stress builds, we can turn to Him and seek His help, His strength, and His wisdom. We don’t have to carry it alone. Isaiah the prophet said it well when he said, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). King David, also proclaims the Father’s promise: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22). Then Peter reassured us as he exhorted us to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

As we go to Him for wisdom and direction, He may guide us to a physician for assistance with therapies, whether counseling or medication. But we can always be assured that His ways are for our benefit.

American Institute of Stress (2020). Stress effects. Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/stress-effects

Nothing Wasted

As a young married couple, Jeff and I enjoyed taking long drives. This was especially true when our first child was born. We didn't have to have a destination. The important thing was conversation. We would return home when we were done talking. Add in a little adventure, and our entertainment was complete.

So it was no surprise when, on one of our little trips, we noticed the velvety black sky interrupted by an orange glow that, in our minds, was none other than something set ablaze. Something large by the pulsating brightness against the night sky. We made it our mission to find the source and make sure everyone was okay, see if we could help, or pray. It didn't matter how far we'd have to drive. It would all be worth it.

We turned down roads leading us to unfamiliar territory. Dirt roads lined by trees appeared to be taking us deeper into forested areas than anticipated. I began to smell smoke as the headlights deflected their beams off a thickening mist in front of us. I was sure we were heading into the heart of a forest fire, or at the very least the smoldering embers of wood just waiting for the right match to strike and set the entire region ablaze.

But we continued to drive. Those on the other side of our fears needed help. Right?

After what seemed like hours of intense blind navigation (there was no GPS in 1993), we exited the tree-lined dirt paths and could see the sky clearly to know we hadn't even come close to the source of our fire. So we continued driving, following the light ahead of us.

In the end, we found ourselves in Marysville, MI looking across the St Clair River at the Nova Chemical plant in Sarnia, Canada--Nova.

A week ago, Jeff and I were driving home from church when I saw that familiar glow in the sky. We laughed as we remembered our adventure so long ago. Then I began to think of how familiar this is on another level. 

How often do we think we see something ahead and take off ready to save the day, or maybe believe it's an answer to questions we've tossed around our heads, only to learn it was an illusion.

I know I have. In fact, looking back, I would confess that I have spent energy better spent elsewhere, chasing things that end up disappointing.  I can name many things I have attempted to accomplish, thinking it was the answer to all our struggles, only to find myself exhausted and irritated. There is the temptation to call that time "wasted" and "lost" because we can't get it back.  

What I am learning, however, is that uninformed decisions of the past have the potential to be informed platforms for education today. 

Last Friday, when Jeff and I saw the night sky light up orange, I did something I could not do 31 years ago. I opened Facebook and checked the Macomb County Scanner page, where several others had also seen this "fire" and asked about it. Those who were able to post pictures and an explanation. No one needed to drive across the countryside (unless they wanted to) and find out they'd only seen the controlled burn of a chemical plant across the river in Canada.

Another thing I am realizing is the truth that God doesn't see our youthful ignorance as unredeemable. In fact, He has promised, "The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you" (Joel 2: 24 - 25).

Yes, there may have been lean years when we didn't know if we'd make it. Years when the LORD disciplined us. Years that would strengthen our character and grow us into trustworthy stewards of God's blessing and presence.

🙏 Praying God's blessing over you as we enter the weekend. 🙏

Karlene J 💜

Season's Passed

Memories. Words exchanged. Affections shared.

I couldn’t get them out of my heart if I wanted to. And I didn’t. Want to, that is. But I knew it was time. Words from years ago fluttered into my thoughts. “Seasons come. Seasons go. New memories will form as you allow the old and dear to make room.”

I looked over and could see the row of faces I’d grown to love over the years. I didn’t want to let go. Change was as uncomfortable—to me—as hugging a porcupine; so, I avoided it as much as possible.

This time, though, I realized I couldn’t put it off any longer. Each face I saw, I embroidered into the fabric of my memory, hoping it wouldn’t fray in the years to come. I prayed for each one while recalling how they’d grown in specific places in my heart. The strength of the temptation to reach back and cling to the past, hold tight to what once was, is fierce.

As uncomfortable as any change was, relinquishing my grip on history was harder still.

I am reminded of Paul’s exhortation to forget “those things which are behind and reach(ing) forward to those things which are ahead …” (Philippians 3:13), and Isaiah’s words not to “remember the former things, nor consider the things of old” (Isaiah 43:18), which I believe he said because of the propensity of people to hold on when they should let go. I know I am like that, and I risk missing out on the promise from God that followed, “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth … I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert …” (Isaiah 43:19)

If I could, I’d take a snapshot of each memory and place it in a scrapbook with the story of our time together, like the canoe trip down the Au Sable River on that damp, gray October day, while Mom watched the babies. We couldn’t keep the boat upright. We carried it down the river more than floated in it. I don’t think we got rid of the chill in our bones for weeks after that. Tahquamenon Falls was gorgeous, but the days leading to our visit would always remind us that God cares about the details.

We’d saved the entire year for our 21-day excursion around the Great Lakes. That summer, news flashed daily about wildfires in Newberry, Michigan. Plenty of lightning and too little rain kept this one smoldering. Before going, I’d prayed, asking God to send rain. Once we finished setting up camp at Tahquamenon Falls River Mouth, I heard the challenge in the back of my mind: “Are you going to ask for rain and remain uncovered?” –We’d left the fly off the tent so we could see the stars. That night—or I should say early morning—I was awakened by a clap of thunder, followed by heavy rain. The sun shone during the day and rained at night, during our entire 7-day stay.

If that weren't enough, He's shown up, provided for, strengthened, and healed our bodies and souls as we leaned into His presence.

I paused right there as I realized if I wanted to see the Lord continue to show His strength ... if I would like to hold onto His gifts for tomorrow ... if I am eager to walk into the “promised land” He’d set before me, then I must relinquish my grip on what once was and embrace who He is so that I can steward what will be.

The season’s passed. A new one has begun, and I (we) are invited to enjoy its beauty.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. 

Numbers 6: 24 - 26 ESV

Adapted from an earlier version written 2019, you can read it here Season's Passed

Thank you for stopping by. As always, I pray you are encouraged. Be blessed. May the peace of the Lord go with you wherever you go this holiday season. 

Ask Me Who I Am

I've endeavored to greet people I see with an expression that breathes, "I'm so glad to see you." It is my goal to communicate to everyone I cross paths with that they've made my day brighter just by being.

This is a learned effort, one taught by an employer, calling it the 6-foot rule. Anyone who comes within 6 feet of my person is worthy of a smile and a greeting. Many times, I fail. But when I am successful, my hope is that they walk away feeling a little lighter in their steps.

Recently, I met someone who reminds me of someone I used to see in the mirror. She's timid and has no idea how much she is loved. She is surprised whenever I tell her she's beautiful. That she is strong. She doesn't see it in her reflection.

Yet.

As I have prayed for this woman, I have been reminded of the many times my Father has spoken of His love for his children, myself included. But like my new friend, I struggled to see the person my Father spoke of. And because I couldn't see, I feared God would eventually grow tired of me and turn His back, exhausted that my thick skull couldn't hold the gift of love He offered.

For years, I battled social anxiety, panic attacks, and imposter syndrome as they pushed and pressed me into isolation and feelings of abandonment. I spent time apologizing for my existence, comparing myself to others to prove I was sorely lacking, while determined to seek God for a miracle in my mind and heart.

Faithful to His word, God began to break down the walls built for self-preservation and security and expose lies believed from childhood. He opened my eyes to see how our words hold power, whether wielded by a trusted individual in our lives or ourselves. He followed this by showing me His truth about how He sees His children.

While I have made progress in overcoming, I continue to work towards wholeness in Christ.

Please know, I don't share these things to gain sympathy. Instead, I have grown to learn we are not alone in our struggles. Like this new friend, like myself, we need to remind one another of our worth in Christ. We need to remind ourselves. 

Scripture tells us, "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even. unto death," (Revelation 12: 11).

I'm going to keep this short today, but want to share some tools for battle in claiming our identity in Christ:

Insert your name in these. See yourself as the recipient of these powerful promises.

• For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 38, 39).
• For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete (2 Corinthians 10: 3-6).
• But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2: 7).
• Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18: 21). We have this as a weapon. How we use it can either build or destroy. Use wisely.

Speak Life. Speak Truth. And as you do, you'll be able to say of yourself as the girl in this video does:

You are not alone. 💖👪

Ask Me Who I Am