Ditch the Stress Ball.

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"-Matthew 6:27

Stop and read that verse again. Let is sink in. Why does it seem like we sometimes live in a state of panic? We am worried about grades, health, relationships, family, careers, appearances...the list could go on. Why am we so worried? Francis Chan says

"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, or our tight grip of control."

There is no such thing as justified stress. Think about what your life could look like if you had no fear. How would it look different? We are a scared generation. Our problems often seem huge and hopeless. During these times it is easy to forget just how powerful and good our sovereign Lord is. Let's stop thinking about how big our little problems seem and focus on how great and loving our merciful father is! When compared to God's great strength, our problems are ridiculously small. While it's good to celebrate how God is working in our lives and how he's blessed us, we should rejoice in the fact that our God is a good and loving God. Whenever we suffer and go through times of strife, we can then find comfort in knowing that God is in control.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God"-Philippians 4:6

Coming before God in prayer is powerful. Lord, I pray that I would find strength in knowing that you are in control of my life. Give me experiences and circumstances that will deepen my desire and love towards you. Lord, I want to trust you and depend on you. I rejoice in knowing that you are a good, loving, and powerful God! Thank you for how you have revealed yourself to me this far. Stir my heart for you and help me to use this life to bring glory to your mighty name!