Mysty PfefferCortisol. It’s that lifesaving hormone that keeps our instincts strong, alert to danger, and ready to act at a moment’s notice. God’s perfect design of our bodies includes the fight for flight response of this vital substance.
Yet, in our modern world of convenience and comfort, this single hormone is stimulated repeatedly by “perceived” threats.
Fears abound, but of what?
What’s around the corner?
What people will think?
How are we going to handle the whispers today?
What the boss will ask me to do or what will he be like today?
How will my child behave or misbehave?
Is this lump I’ve found serious?
How can I get all the things on my list finished?
Will there be enough money available to meet my needs. . . er wants?
As cortisol rises, so does our blood sugar. What follows repeated blood sugar surges is higher insulin levels, which places more stress on our pancreas.
Cortisol’s Role in Weight Gain
Before we know it, the cascading pattern of hormone reactions then slows our metabolism and instead of using the excess energy and stimulus to run from danger we’re strolling to the cabinets for our favorite coping mechanism.
We’re absentmindedly eating chips out of a large bag, dipping our hands in the candy bowl every hour, or driving through our favorite fast-food restaurant for a quick fix.
Slowly, methodically, and surprisingly our weight creeps up, too. The excess pounds around the middle are hard to lose and our fears become intensified.
What little attractiveness, and likeability society desires from us is starting to slip away. It’s time to truly face our fears. We care what people think and it rules our destructive thought patterns. No wonder we can’t find peace and allow cortisol to run amuck! We’ve let the world sneak in and determine what we value most.
But in reality, how many of the fears listed above stand in light of God’s truth?
None of them do!
Jesus’ Peace Crushes Excess Cortisol
Jesus says, “Peace, I leave with you: my peace I give to you.”
If you and I believe Him today, what does His peace look like in our everyday doubts?
I believe it is a quiet rest of the soul that only knowing Him provides. The Bible verses that teach you and me this concept are:
- In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
- Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. (Psalm 85:10)
- “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)
- May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! (Psalm 29:11)
- Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. (Luke 10:5-6)
- Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)
- I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
- For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
God keeps you and I safe, we can both lie down and sleep in peace. We are assured of His steadfast love and faithfulness when we are walking in His ways.
Righteousness and peace lye together in harmony stamping out fear of what is around the corner.
It is you and I who enter the ruckus with warm hellos and peace to this house! We are prepared and resilient as it comes back to us unscathed.
What we soon find, is this new perspective is also the key to cortisol control, as a better metabolism soon follows.
We have peace because we love His Word, we love the law, and in spite of the tribulation of this world Jesus has overcome the world.
Salvation is His, not ours to give. We can pray, we can seek, we can share Him but, in the end, it is only His to give and our loved ones to accept.
Call to Action: Breath deep today and take a short stroll instead of reaching for food as comfort.
Let the peace of Jesus wash over you with renewed purpose and strength. The restless doubts spurred on by the world will fade with each breath we take. Our cortisol levels lower appropriately and eventually our corresponding hormones do too. Metabolism is improved and the excess weight begins to melt away.
Are you ready for it? I hope so!
I am only a discovery call away if you need extra help, too. You can book your appointment here and find recipes and encouragement. I look forward to serving you!
Mysty
For recipe ideas to help increase our natural serotonin and manage cortisol levels check out these fun recipes! One of my favorites is Tangy Tuna Balls and the other is Salmon & Dill Tortilla!
