Life’s Stress is Like a Wrecking Ball

I have the experience of witnessing the long-term results of anxiety and stress on precious sisters in Christ every week. The repeated activation of the stress response causes physical damage over time. Similarly, a picture of a wrecking ball swinging against a concrete building comes to mind in these strong women I love. Just as sharp, fast hits repeatedly strike to weaken the structure of a building, the natural stress response attacks their hearts.

The response to stress is a stimulation of hormones like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, preparing her to respond to a perceived threat. As a result her heart rate increases, her blood vessels constrict, blood pressure elevates, there is a release of insulin from the cells, and escalating lipids. A response of God-given hormones designed to help fight or fly away from the perceived threat.

In a genuine emergency, she needs this natural response. However, during everyday life, such as meeting deadlines or keeping pace with a demanding work schedule, the threat is more personal and frequent. It may come in the form of a micromanaging supervisor or tense moments of sustaining peak performance. My friend in the corporate world also adjusts hourly to the lack of resources available to accomplish outcomes in her 40–60-hour week.

Search Me God and Know My Anxious Thoughts

Not only does she face continual anxiety at work, but she also has the pressure of providing for her family. A burden to be alert financially, physically, and emotionally is persistent. Moreover, stressors that stimulate the same emergency response meant for prolonging life in the short term become fast, frequent hits multiple times a day, attacking and damaging her heart.

Her lifestyle is fast-paced, and her heart is pumping with all its ability to keep up with the continual demand. I can empathize with her anxious thoughts. However, I want her to know, God’s word has power over life’s wrecking ball. I imagine reading the Psalms; a lonely shepherd boy who became a King felt sharp, fast hits too. He wrote the most life-giving words of hope during his suffering as he turned his despair towards God.

David says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” There is no doubt David knew some stress. He, too, had an angry, demanding boss, multiple enemies, brothers who were jealous of him, and children who disrespected him.

David served King Saul faithfully despite his ridicule, and he trusted God to conquer Goliath. He was on the run and hiding in caves as his angry boss chased him with an army. The king’s son, Absalom, incited half of Israel against him and took over his palace. Yet, God’s presence and protection assured David, the multiple attempts to kill him would fail.  

God’s Word Has Power of Life’s Stressors

At the peak of his stress, he pours out his heart to God and remembers the Almighty’s promise in his distress. David says, “Lord, how my foes increase, there are many who attack me! But You, Lord, are a shield around me. His eyes are swollen from grief as he pleads for evildoers to depart. The assurance of being heard by the Lord is present in his plea for help. You see, he understands the value of examining his thoughts and emotions before God. Therefore, he sings how magnificent God’s name is (Psalm 3:1-3, 6:7-9, 7:9, 17, 8:1).

Although he fell into sin, repentance brought him freedom. Even though he turned a blind eye to his sons’ evil and hard feelings escalated into full-blown nationwide rebellion, he trusted God’s word to see him through.

Through his Psalms, David teaches us to hope in Him who sees all things and works them to our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).  Although Psalm 23 is a frequent chapter written for those who have passed, many who have walked in the shadow of a cardiac event can bear witness; its evil is real and the shadow of death foreboding.

Proof of Power Over the Enemy

The enemy is a life-threatening, chronic condition that requires vigilant attention while managing everyday stressors. My friend, take comfort in David’s words. He trusted God with all his heart on his road to recovery. May you also give Jesus your fears and anxiety as the power of God’s word deflects the wrecking ball of the stress response to your own heart.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live. (Holman Christian Standard Bible, 2003)

Psalm 23 ESV – The LORD Is My Shepherd – A Psalm of – Bible Gateway

Setting our hearts on our Father and Creator opens our eyes to the same encouragement He gives Daniel. For we, like he who loves God, also cry out to our Lord in our distress. We see Daniel as an example of faith under fire in this passage set his heart on God. He sees the destruction and devastation coming upon the people he loves, yet he is strengthened.

Although our circumstances may be different, we too see havoc upon us. Powerless, we begin seeking ways to build up our courage. As we undergo illness, distress, loss, and heartache in our own lives and in the lives of those we love, we cry out to the Lord.

Therefore, we have hope as we read this passage because God always sends comfort and reassurance when we cry out to Him. Daniel’s vision of what will happen to his people in the latter days is devastating. The truth of the conflict in the vision causes him to lose his appetite and mourn for three weeks.

When we receive devastating news or undergo a health crisis, we too can be in the same distress. Weak and wondering, Daniel see’s the messenger of God coming to reassure him in his time of need. Terrified, he falls to his knees. He displays an example of where our posture before the Lord will be when we face Him in our darkest hour.

Moreover, emotional pain and heartache from physical loss can take our breath away and remove our words. However, when we come trembling before God with the devastation of it, He sees our misery. The doubt, fear, and debility are laid before Him. Unseen, our spirit cries out. Exhausted and exposed to our own vulnerability, we fully submit our warring emotions to Him.

As a result, we slowly feel a warmth in the pit of our soul spread like a soothing balm to calm our tumultuous emotions. God hears our cries and sees our surrender to Him. Jesus picks up the pieces laid before Him and methodically puts them in order as the Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

When we set our hearts on God, Jesus touches our brokenness and places us upright in His love. We can then turn to the powerful message of God to reassure us further. In His Word, we hear his voice and understand His intentions. Please be encouraged today by what the angel of the Lord shares with Daniel:

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words (Daniel 10:12).

We are not alone.

Our prayers are heard and acted upon as the hand of the Lord reaches out to our inmost being to give us strength. Sometimes it is an illness or loss that brings us to that place of humility. A place that opens our mind to our own vulnerability and mortality. A battle ensues as we begin to fear loss.  A possible loss of health, income, or way of life.

We don’t have to be afraid, the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Protector is present during the battle with us. The temporary things are stripped away to expose the eternal things of true value. Empathy of friends, care of loved ones, as well as the consuming spiritual support of God’s Word.

We are loved! Just as Jesus reassures his disciples, he will not leave them as orphans, He comes to us too. He lives in us, and because our hearts are devoted to him, his commands are a joy to follow. There is freedom for our souls when we see His way and His Word as sweeter than honey.

Jesus says to His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him “(John 14:18-21).

Daniel’s situation is a physical manifestation of what happens to us spiritually in our walk with the Lord. A picture of what is happening in the spiritual realm that we cannot see, although we feel in our hearts and know in our minds. It’s as real as the anger, discontent, and selfish greed of the world around us.

Although, the angel was detained in a spiritual battle, he reassures Daniel his words are heard.

Paul tells us in Ephesians our battle is not against flesh and blood but against powers and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, ESV).

It is reassuring to know that we are not alone in our battle against the darkness. There are messengers of God battling with us and for us. We battle through our dark and lonely places by knowing and reading God’s inspired word. It is there that we meet God on the page and are heard and feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  

And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 

Let the glorious words of “greatly loved” sink in a few minutes. Yes, the angel is talking to Daniel to reassure him, but God’s word assures us of the same promise. God’s love has been poured into us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). May our hearts be encouraged as we set them on God! We are knit together in love to reach all the richness of full assurance, understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ Jesus ( Col 2:2).

No amount of preparation can prepare us for a devastating diagnose, except this! Courage is facing our fear in the oncoming battle and moving forward anyway. That invisible hand reaching out to hold us upright is the hand of our Lord. I pray he touches you today through the power of his word and renews your courage to face the days ahead with poise and resilience. May God be with you and keep you always.

This 3 day reading plan can be viewed and shared on the YouVersion app

As He Spoke to Me, I was Strengthened

And he said, “Oman greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:19

How blessed are we that our Father and Creator opens our eyes to the same encouragement He gives Daniel? For we, like he who loves God, also cry out to our Lord in our distress. We see Daniel as an example of faith under fire in this passage. He sees the destruction and devastation coming upon the people he loves, yet he is strengthened.

Although our circumstances may be different, we too see havoc upon us. Powerless, we begin seeking ways to build up our courage. As we undergo illness, distress, loss, and heartache in our own lives and in the lives of those we love, we cry out to the Lord.

Therefore, we have hope as we read this passage because God always sends comfort and reassurance when we cry out to Him. Daniel’s vision of what will happen to his people in the latter days is devastating. The truth of the conflict in the vision causes him to lose his appetite and mourn for three weeks.

The Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

When we receive devastating news or undergo a health crisis, we too can be in the same distress. Weak and wondering, Daniel see’s the messenger of God coming to reassure him in his time of need. Terrified, he falls to his knees. He displays an example of where our posture before the Lord will be when we face Him in our darkest hour.

Moreover, emotional pain and heartache from physical loss can take our breath away and remove our words. However, when we come trembling before God with the devastation of it, He sees our misery. The doubt, fear, and debility are laid before Him. Unseen, our spirit cries out. Exhausted and exposed to our own vulnerability, we fully submit our warring emotions to Him.

God hears our cries

As a result, we slowly feel a warmth in the pit of our soul spread like a soothing balm to calm our tumultuous emotions. God hears our cries and sees our surrender to Him. Jesus picks up the pieces laid before Him and methodically puts them in order as the Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

For further encouragement check out the devotion page on this site!

 Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance—and this is from God.

Philippians 1:27-28 ESV

1. LIVE WORTHY

You and I are often under the impression that we are trudging through life alone. Outside of our much needed support systems, spouses, and best friends, the core of disease affects us personally. Although we know others have similar afflictions and circumstances, the impact of it actually occurring right now, in my life, at this time, is almost consuming. Nothing prepares us for the unthinkable, because it is not normal to pursue thoughts of disease or infallibility. So, when the dreaded word of cancer, heart disease, diabetes (you fill in the blank) is presented our reaction is: Total shock, followed quickly by fierce denial.

Granted, no one else is in your skin, knows your deepest fears, or understands your uncertainty in processing news. You know it happens every day to millions of people, but today…. it affects you. There is a price for daily choices instant gratification cannot pay but only accrue. Mounting interest escalates into the bankruptcy of nutrient depleted cells and a fight to maintain balance. But wait! There is good news! Not only is the gospel of grace for your spiritual benefit it also empowers you to make better choices for living well. Paul says “live worthy” implying a strength for resisting physical temptations as inherent in the life of believers.

Resilience is in your Devine design. God made your body and every nutrient in the garden with the capability to restore and reboot dying cells. He also gave you the Holy Spirit to become a new person, with new values, and a new desire to please God.

2. STAND FIRM

So, with that determination in mind, you and I can stand firm on the strength of God’s word to fill our grasping souls with His Word and His provision of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein in the tasty creations from our grocer’s garden (or our own). The plentiful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and lean (minimally processed) meats are at our fingertips. Stand frim in faith and hope in our Lord Jesus to sustain the needs of our minds; quelling the anxious thoughts of fear with reassurance. All the while, filling the void of emptiness with peace and comfort; no preservative laden oatmeal cream pie can fill! He is with us always, even until the end of the age. Isn’t it comforting to know we can lean on Him through times of uncertainty?

3. WORK SIDE BY SIDE

But we don’t have to do it alone! We have the help of our coach and a network of people working side by side to cheer us along the way. Encouraging us in those daily victories, pulling us out of that sense of defeat, and LISTENING to our struggles. Facing temptations head on with prayer allows us a chance to step back from a situation, reevaluate, and pursue a stronger option. Prayer and scripture memory effectively renew the mind with the strength of the Holy Spirit! He is also there with us, working side by side; guiding, counseling, comforting. Even if we are not feeling His presence today, all we have to do is ask!

Luke 11:13 says,  “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” God wants to be first in our lives; over food, sweets, material things, jobs, and even family. The reward is such amazing contentment, we won’t know how to react!

• Practical ways to apply this today:
• Pray
• Drink 8-12 ounces of water. Especially if I just ate a full meal two hours ago and I couldn’t possibly be hungry. (This applies unless otherwise instructed by your doctor)
• Move every 30 minutes. If you have a desk job, just getting up to stretch your legs and walking 20-30 ft. every half an hour helps blood flow to your extremities and return to your brain. It helps your mind focus better, while stimulating your metabolism. As well as giving your eyes a rest from the computer. So many benefits from one small move!

May God bless you and keep you as we live worthy, stand frim, and work side by side! We will be successful in rebuilding our cells to strengthen us mentally, while healing physically; repairing our bodies bite by bite to their fullest potential. I’ll be praying for both of us!