Next Steps
Answer the following questions, journal about them, pray about them, or discuss them with a counselor or trusted friend.
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What are the things that cause you the most stress? Think through the past week and list out each thing that caused you to be anxious, tense, angry, afraid, or distracted. Try to be as specific as possible (for example, do not say “my spouse,” but rather “when my spouse leaves their clothes on the floor, even though they know it drives me crazy”).
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Review the Warning Signs of Unhealthy Stress and mark off each one that you experience regularly.
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Now that you’ve identified the problem areas in your life, it’s time for a solution. Start with the exercise mentioned in God’s Assignment. Did you have any trouble signing the blank piece of paper? Did you really mean it? Keep this paper near you, perhaps at your desk or on your nightstand as a reminder of your commitment.
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What things are taking priority in your schedule? Do they correspond with your values? Are you getting everything done each week that you want to, or are you feeling behind and overwhelmed? Use the template in The Proper Order to create a schedule for the next week. Do your best to follow it, being sure to schedule in a little bit of time for the unexpected. Next week, review your week to see if you felt less stressed during your week and if you accomplished everything you expected without getting overwhelmed. Make adjustments as needed when you work out your schedule for the following week.
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Make a list of at least 10 things that bring you joy. These should be action words like “going for a bike ride,” “playing golf,” “baking,” “gardening,” “having coffee with a good friend,” etc. Try to fit at least one item into each day of your schedule to help you refocus and relax.
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On your schedule, commit one entire day to rest. Be diligent and protect that day. Make sure to take some personal time with God on that day. Make sure to enjoy your family or a hobby or a special place (a peaceful place like a park, or even your backyard). Pray and worship (personally and with others), read an encouraging book, take a nap. Do things that will bring you life and rest and refreshing, with God as your primary focus.
Now pray this prayer with us:
Lord, life can be stressful sometimes... even most of the time, but I know that's not the life you intended me in Christ. I know you desire to give much greater things to me, and that life and peace and joy and abundance are what you give to those who dwell in your presence.
I ask your forgiveness today for putting other things before you and for making gods out of my circumstances, my schedule, the expectations of others, and even myself. Forgive me for giving my obedience, thoughts and emotions over to these things, when they rightfully belong to you. I ask you to forgive me for not honoring the Sabbath and keeping it holy as you commanded, and for not seeking your kingdom above my own.
God, I don't want to live like this anymore, and I need your help to change. Give me the strength and courage to reprioritize my life. Help me to find the peace and joy and rest that you promised I could have in you. Give me wisdom to know where I need to change, and show me how to daily keep my focus on you. I receive my assignment today to follow you (and nothing else), and I commit to you right now that I will make you my top priority this week. I trust in you and in your promise to take care of all my needs as I put you first.
So Lord, I place all that I am and all that I have in your hands. I choose right now to find my rest and peace in you. I delight in you, and I thank you that you are more than enough for all I need and desire. I love you, Lord, with all my heart. Amen.
Portions of this section were taken from Matthew Bauer's book, The Journey to Freedom. To learn more about dealing with stress, click here to order the book and continue your journey to a stress-free, abundant life.
BUY NOW: The Journey to Freedom - Navigating the Roadblocks to Abundant Living - by Matthew Bauer