Got stress?
Don’t worry.
You’re not alone.
The majority of people you talk with are feeling some level of stress, anxiety, and/or anxiousness.
Recently, I found an article that revealed an interesting perspective on the subject, and I share a portion of that article in this post.
The subject was stress management.
A professor slowly walked around a room holding a glass half filled with water.
As he raised the glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question, but instead, they were rather surprised when, with a smile, he asked, “How heavy is this glass of water?”
Seemed simple enough. Answers were called out from all across the room. The answers ranged from 6 oz. to 12 oz. upward to 20 oz. to which the professor replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter.”
Wait? What? The weight doesn’t matter. If he’s asking how heavy the glass of water is, do we not associate heavy and weight?
He continued, “What really matters is how long I hold it.”
“If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem.”
“If I hold it for an hour, my arm would begin to hurt.”
“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.”
The things that cause us to worry and to be stressed are a lot like that glass of water. We can think about them for a short while, and it doesn’t seem to faze us. Think about them for a little longer, and it begins to hurt. And the longer you think about them, the more it hurts and you begin to feel paralyzed, and incapable of doing anything.
Life happens and everyone faces challenges. You’re not alone in that boat of worry and stress. It’s easy to get caught in the trap when you have more questions than answers, and more problems than solutions. So what do you do? How do you deal with it? Where do you turn?
There are a number of ways of dealing with worry and stress, but one of the most effective ways I’ve found it to look in the Bible, and focus on the truths of God’s Word. Some of my favorite promises are the following:
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3
When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation brings me joy. Psalm 94:19
Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Matthew 6:34
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP
Rest assured, God is with you in whatever you’re facing, in the turmoil and struggles, in the anxious thoughts and worries of life. God is there, to offer you strength, and help, as He holds you in His hands. God wants to be involved in your life, and the struggles you’re facing, not just on Sunday, but every day of the week.
Whatever is causing the stress, the anxiety, the pressure that you’re feeling in your life is so much like the glass of water. It’s not the size and weight of it that matters, but rather how long you are carrying it, how long you are holding it.
God’s promises are bigger than your problems.
How long have you been holding whatever is causing you to be stressed, to worry, to be anxious? Take a deep breath, relax and release. You’ve carried it long enough. It’s not always easy, but you can do it.
Put your glass down!
Still Believing!
I realize I’ve been carrying that glass way too long. And you’re right, I’ve felt paralyzed, which has led to isolation, more stress, and loneliness. I need to set the glass down and let God handle it. In spite of myself, He’s continued to show His great love for me and His provision has sustained me in countless ways.
As always, Ray, thanks for sharing your heart so that we may learn and grow.
Much love.
Still excellent advise