Stress affects people differently. Some people carry stress in their physical bodies. Others are more stressed because of their thoughts. They worry and become anxious. When stress originates from your thoughts, you need cognitive strategies to help you relax. The Bible even directs us to do so, “… whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things” (Phil 4:8, NKJV).

All you do is focus your mind on things that bring you peace and a sense of well being. For the Christian that is God’s intense love. Meditation is prayer. When we pray and spend time with our heavenly Father, we feel better and less stressed. We have a dad who  promises to take care of us and meet our needs. If that doesn’t lessen your stress, nothing will!

As you mediate, think about the promises of God and direct your thoughts to His love. Scripture versus help. You can google a topic and get several verses. And at the back of my book, Letting Go of Worry, I have scriptures on peace, contentment, worry, anxious thoughts, etc. The idea is to read and mediate. When you do, tension leaves and you feel refreshed in spirit and mind.

When you feel stressed and tense, you can also visualize yourself in a quiet peaceful place. This is calming. Some people like to imagine themselves on a sunny beach with a gentle breeze, the smell of the ocean, clear skies and water. Other people find a mountain cabin in the snow to be a quiet calming place. It doesn’t matter what you choose, just think of something peaceful and try to engage all your senses in the scene. This distracts your anxious thoughts to a peaceful place.

We know that true peace comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the promises He gives us is to keep us in perfect peace if we keep our mind stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). God is the author of peace and serenity. Think about Him, His goodness and all He has done for you. So next time you feel stressed, pray and mediate on the goodness of God and all of His promises. Use imagery to guide yourself to a peaceful place, to relax, to enjoy God’s creation–the forest, the beach, the mountains, and remember His presence is with you while you rest.