Pastor Rich Lammay
Why are people so stressed out these days? As we have an election looming, and we observe the turmoil of world events, it seems that anxiety and stress are at an all-time high. We live in tough days, where people are consumed with the news, as well as the political rhetoric. What should we do? Where do we go in order to have some peace in our lives?
There are some amazing prescriptions for peace, and those prescriptions are free of charge. The bible is where we find those help-aids, and when we have our focus is in the right place, the stresses of life are much less. When life’s focus is in tune with God’s blessings, anxiety does not overwhelm.
Hundreds of times, the scriptures speak about giving thanks and praise to God, I believe that praise and thanksgiving, are one of the best ways to keep sanity in a world that is going at an insane pace.
Psalm 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
That scripture speaks volumes in how to have peace in a world of turmoil.
First, enter God’s courts, give your life to the Lord. Start your day with scripture, because; “Faith comes by the Word of God.” Daily, remember God your creator, and Christ your savior. When you submit your life to God and turn from yourself, God will reveal himself, his plan and his will, that’s when stress and worry will not dominate you.
Secondly, learn to worship God. The bible tells us to praise God for who he is, for his mighty acts and remember all he has done.
Psalm 103:1-2 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
That chapter continues reminding us of God’s benefits and blessings. It speaks of what the Lord has done, (forgives us, heals us, guides us, etc.). When we focus on the Lord and his blessings, we cannot help but worship him. When you praise the Lord, stress and anxiety are less, because praise brings eternity into prospective.
Thirdly, be thankful, as the old song says: “Count your blessings name them one by one, count your many blessings see what God has done.” If you have nothing else to be thankful for, thank the Lord, you are alive. Thank him for your friends, your family, and others who have been a blessing to you. Thanksgiving takes the focus off our stress and puts our focus on the Lord.
Stress and anxiety are part of our fast-paced society, but they don’t have to consume us. Instead of being consumed by the daily news, be consumed by the Word of God because scripture has the prescription for anxiety!
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, bring God’s peace, what a great promise. Are you anxious? Do you need peace? Submit first to God by trusting in Christ, then follow his prescription for peace.
Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers’ Association.
