Perhaps as a result of busy-ness, financial concern, insecurity or worry about family members you are feeling under a lot of stress this Christmas? You are not alone, the devices which promise to make life easier (mobile phones with internet and e-mail for example) actually serve to increase the pace of life - and make matters worse.
Thirty years ago it would have been normal to expect that responses to communications would be measured in weeks – now, we expect an answer within hours. Switching off has become a lot more difficult in our “always on” culture. Many people take their work with them when they go on holiday, and weekends and other short breaks are often not a break at all.
The stress of life puts strain on our relationships, as the people who bear the brunt of our short-tempered exchanges are inevitably those that we love and are closest to. Recession and job insecurity also serve to add to stress and many have lost their jobs in the last few months – all things piling on the stress.
What we need more than anything to overcome stress, at this time of year, is to gain an eternal perspective on everyday life. King David does this frequently in the Psalms:
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27: 1-4 [NIV]
Lord, I want to seek you and dwell in your presence. Help me to see life through your eyes. In Jesus name. Amen
Dave MacLellan (first published in 2010)
No comments:
Post a Comment