Handling Stress…

        Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.  And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.  In conclusion, my friends fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable.

        Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

        If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day.  Don’t give the Devil a chance.

        The Lord your God will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases.  He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you.  You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight.  A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed.

        He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.  He gives me new strength.  He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised.  Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me.  Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.

        Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.  Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that other believers in the entire world are going through the same kind of sufferings.  But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.

        God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence.

        “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you.  I do not give it as the world does.  Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”

        Jesus was in the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow.  The disciples woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?”  Jesus stood up and commanded the wind, “Be quiet!” and he said to the waves, “Be still!” The wind died down, and there was a great calm.  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you frightened?  Do you still have no faith?”

        When I am afraid, O LORD Almighty, I put my trust in you.  I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised.  What can a mere human being do to me?