Stress is Good and Bad. Wisdom is Knowing the Difference
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Stress is a state of dis-ease. Yet, stress is not always bad. When put in an unethical or unjust situation, responding faithfully in a stressful situation is not only allowable but also expected. When we are faced with troublesome problems too often, we begin to experience stress every time an uncomfortable situation arises. Stress becomes our go-to response with every discomfort. God did not intend for us to be this stressed out with the life given to you and me.
Amardeep Parmar, in his article, “13 Things You Should Give Up For A Less Stressful Life,” calls us to “Remove these toxic mindsets getting in your way.” While there is no room in a short devotion to share all 13 of Parmar’s recommendations, I would like to pick a few. First, give up “The need to be right.” When we must be right, stress follows when we are inevitably wrong on occasion. Then, we begin worrying about our next mistake. The need to be correct also pulls us into unnecessary arguments with others, also crippled by the need to be correct.
Second, deep pain exists in “Shaming yourself for being human.” Parmar declares, “The greatest battle we all face in the battle inside our own minds.” Like the sin of striving for perfection, shaming yourself for your mistakes cripples the soul. Parmar is correct, “It’s normal to feel lost or make mistakes. You can’t be perfect, but you can grow to be stronger in the future.” The closest we humans can get to perfection is to learn from mistakes and adjust accordingly.
Finally, do not fall into the trap of anticipating “Expectations of praise.” God and ourselves are the only ones we need to please in this world. When we please God and ourselves, emotionally healthy people will be happy with our actions. When good people differ, perhaps God is speaking through them, then divine wisdom will make it our own without being stressed out over the decision-making process. Today, pray for the ability to keep the critical perspective so stress will remain appropriate. Ask God to provide the humility and faith to offer God our thoughts and ideas for proper consideration. Then, when we invite God to participate in our decision-making, stress is reduced, and wise decision-making becomes the norm.
