Rev. Richard Smith
| II Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. |
There is an abundance of literature and cultural offerings addressing the increase in stress levels for the majority of us as we have dealt with this Pandemic. None of us question this. This reality is on top of various other things (pre-pandemic or otherwise) which impinge on our mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience. Handling stress is a true spiritual discipline requiring some plan or strategy.
Keep in mind that there are several instances in the Gospel accounts wherein Jesus needs to get apart from the pressing crowds and the manifold issues in order to keep his spiritual, emotional, and mental resolve. So, addressing stress is a need for all of us.
We’re all distinct individuals; with different personalities, varying interests, and diverse ways of emotionally responding to life and its issues. Thus, a technique for handling rising stress which works for one person may not work for another. We each do, however, need to discern what works for us and practice it consciously as we find stress rising like a rising tide amidst our emotions and feelings. Let me tell you four things I do; four ways I seek to temper the stress I feel rising in my spirit.
First, I give myself spiritual pep-talks. Many a time that is the way I handle the emerging stress, the rising emotions. I say to myself, “Richard, calm down. Don’t let it get to you.”
Secondly, sometimes I will speak –either out loud or internally – the opening words of the meaningful hymn, Breathe On Me, Breath of God. Those words are…Breathe on me, breath of God; fill me with life anew; that I may love what Thou dost love and do what Thou wouldst do.
Or, thirdly, I might repeat the opening words of The Serenity Prayer…God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.
Finally, when and where appropriate, I put on soothing, calming music. Whether religious or poplar music, we each know inspiring, enriching music that feeds the soul and spirit.
The point here is that we each need to find or develop those techniques which work for us. We can take charge of the emerging stressful moments and our rising feelings if we want. It’s a matter of developing tools which work respectively for us. God, of course, is ever present to help sustain us as we lean into and rely upon Him!
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