It’s so easy to get stressed out.  In addition to the pressures we have all of the time from school, jobs, and even family and friends, it’s easy to feel the pressure to get things done and, at times, feel just plain anxious, worried, and stressed out.  This past year, we’ve added a pandemic to the list of things we might worry about.   That’s why a couple of my favorite Bible verses are Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:7.  They are a couple of my go-to Bible verses because, some days, I just need that reminder.

They don’t tell us that we won’t experience worry and stress in life, but it does tell us what to do about it.  They challenge us to give our worry to God.  We are to give it to God and no longer carry it ourselves.

I love how the following little story illustrates what can happen if we don’t:

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out 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 let go of your stresses. As early as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night.  Give your worry to God.  

Remember to put the glass down!  : )