I receive a daily devotional from Rick Warren. I was taken back by the title of this devotional. I know fighting depression begins in the mind but I had not thought about stress management in the mind. My husband wanted to begin drawing his social security this summer and step back from his part-time job, but because of the stock market we have put those plans on hold. I have had to watch retired friends come out of retirement and go back to work. Groceries are high and so is gas. How do we handle all the struggles? How can the mind help manage stress.
I believe Stress Management can begin in the mind. Jesus commands us to take every thought captive. If we let the news or our circumstances control our thoughts there would be no hope. So where do we begin? Look around you and find the joy in your family, friends, job etc. There are pockets of joy everywhere around us. But we have to choose to look to those pockets instead of the negative ones that seem to dominate. Take a walk and clear your mind. Summer nights, though hot, can be full of crickets, fireflies, and memories of playing night games with friends. Enjoy those memories. The holidays are coming.Cool nights will be here soon. I am already thinking about how to make the fall days festive and Christmas special.
I want to encourage everyone to become a member of a local church or a bible study. The bible is full of hope. There will be times we need Christian support and having a base of Christian friends can provide that support. Despite our circumstances enjoy life, eat healthy, enjoy friends and your job. Your stress level will be determinded by what you choose to think about. Begin with your mind....
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