Thanks for joining us as we learn more life principles from Jesus and how they can reduce our stress. For more insights about reducing your stress see our previous blog Are You Stressed Out? here.
Knowing Your Priorities
Know what you want to accomplish and set your priorities. You don’t have time for everything. It’s your choice to be guided by priorities or by pressure? Priorities can be what God wants you to do and pressures can come from others. Know your priorities in life or you’ll be yanked and pulled in every direction.
Jesus was clear about his person and his priorities, “… for I know where I came from and where I’m going.” John 8:18a
“I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:43
He knew who he was and desired to please His Father “…for I seek not to please myself, but him who sent me.” John 5:30b
Far too many allow someone or something to drive their lives. The yearning for acceptance or status quo can be the cause of much of our stress.
Focus on What Is Important
We can be so easily distracted with being busy with so much trivial pursuits in life that we miss the best things that really do matter. Jesus was a man of focus. As the time drew near for his return to heaven, he moved steadily onward toward Jerusalem with an iron will. Luke 9:51 (LB) Jesus was persistent, determined and focused. The apostle Paul continued the theme of focus, “…this one thing I do.”
You and I might have several things we think we must do, but what are they? Far too many have never decided within themselves what’s most important in life and have squandered the things that do matter. Some end up saying, “I don’t have time to read God’s Word or attend church or serve others and…”; “I’d love to follow you Lord, but I don’t have time right now.”
Jesus addressed his close friend Martha’s misplaced priorities when he said, “Martha, Martha,You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.” Luke 10:41-42.
Focus on Me Martha.
Let Others Help You
It’s a wake-up call to discover that when you’re sick from work they can operate just fine without you. If you’re a perfectionist or a recovering one, you might think if you want a job well done you got to do it yourself. Even though Jesus was perfect he didn’t try to do ministry by himself. He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. Mark 3:14
Do you think Jesus could preach better than the disciples? Of course, but he needed them. If Jesus needed help from others, what does that say about you? Stress tells you, “you got to do it yourself, you’ll handle it.” A lot of the times help is just a few feet away. Unfortunately, our pride and insecurity keeps us for asking for help.
It’s humbling to admit,”I need help,” but you’re like everybody else – you need help. We all experience stress, there are no exemptions. Let others help you; it will reduce your stress.
Stay tuned next time as we learn more from Jesus’ life as we look at the last two principles that can help us reduce our stress. Please share your comments with others. They would appreciate it.
With Hope,
