You Got This: 14 Devotions to Equip & Empower Hard-Working WomenSample

Blessed Versus Stressed

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. PHILIPPIANS 4:6 ESV

Life is busy. Stress is real. And the mind knows just when to replay a slideshow filled with photos of past failures. Once that begins, we’re reminded that we don’t have time for the fun things we once did, and it doesn’t take long to feel as if the world is crashing down around us. We’ve all been there.

Here’s an idea: the next time we find ourselves stressed to the max with negative thoughts running amok, let’s take a look around. Sometimes we forget all we truly do have. Even in times of stress, God provides. When negativity starts creeping in, turn stressful thoughts into remembering the blessings. Is work stressing you out? You have a job, and that’s a blessing. Are the kids being crazy while you’re trying to clean the house? You have little ones and a house, and those are blessings. Are you stressed because you can’t see your friends? You have friends, and that’s a blessing. Try looking at things outside of what’s causing the stress and count the blessings around you. Be thankful for the clothes on your back or for having water to drink. Sometimes all it takes to stop the mental “failure slideshow” is to start thinking through all the things that have gone right, all the things for which you are grateful, and all the ways God has been faithful.

You Got This!

What’s something you’re thankful for today? The next time a stressful thought enters your mind, recall the good the Lord has done for you—even the smallest things like the shoes on your feet or money in your pocket. Give your stresses to God and live in His grace. You’ll end up finding that you can face each day, no matter how busy, with an inner peace of thankfulness.