Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.
No doubt, there is plenty of stuff out there to cause us stress. “Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process. Long-term stress can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.” (HELPGUIDE.org)
What is the biblical solution to stress? Moses learned how to delegate in order to relieve stress (Exodus 18:13-26). David prayed (Psalm 69). Isaiah taught us to wait upon the Lord (Isaiah 40:30-31). Psalms 46:10 teaches us to slow down. Jesus taught us to stop worrying and focus on Godly things (Matthew 6:25-34). The Apostle Paul tells us to pray about everything and dwell on good things (Philippians 4:6-8). Romans 8:31-39 reminds us that God is always with us, and nothing can separate us from Him. Finally, Jesus invites us to give all our burdens to Him.
Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
I think we can sum up all the above with one phrase - faith in the One True Living God, but we can add a dimension of practicality to the mix, as well. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, guarding your time off, living a sensible lifestyle and less multi-tasking will all benefit you. Too many of us are just too involved in too many things, and a lot of those are worldly things. Learning to say “no” to these will help.
“The Associated Press reported on a scientist who has been studying rats for several years. He found that the present-day "rat race" is a term too close for comfort. Thousands of rats were subjected to those degrees of stress simulating many of the conditions of human life, especially in the cities: bright flashing lights, all kinds of noises from buzzers to the roar of jet planes, plus shaking, jostling motions like those you feel riding a car or train. After some days of this kind of harassment, the rats developed high blood pressure and became easily irritated and dangerous.” (Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.)
If you think about the fact that all the scripture references above were written in ancient times, you will realize that there is much more need to heed them today. What are you stressed about? Try God’s remedies. 02-27-09
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