Think About Releasing Your Stress

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected the psychologist would ask the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired, "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
She continued: "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while, and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer, and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."

It's important to remember to release your stress as early as possible. Lay it down before God immediately. Stop allowing your pressures to live rent-free in your mind. Therefore, to "put down the glass of water," you must consider God's commands about stress.

Psalm 119:143 says, "As pressure and stress bear down on me; I find joy in your commands." Those commands include praying for wisdom, fasting, meditating on Scripture, and seeking counsel when necessary. These productive steps will yield the fruit of freedom in that you will release your stress to the Lord. First Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Holding onto and feeding your stress is a waste of time. Instead, give it to the Lord because He cares for you and will provide for your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.