Stress Reduction Group
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The Bible is a very practical book and has a lot of things to say about the everyday mechanics of life. We should not be surprised, then, when the Bible speaks about stress. Stress is an increasing part of our lives as we move farther into the technology age. Stress in limited amounts can be good for us as we press toward our goals. Stress in large amounts is harmful for us both emotionally and physically. Many people go through periods of stress in life which seem unrelenting. In those times it seems there is no relief as problem after problem rolls in. Things can seem hopeless to us quickly as we begin to enter our greatest life battles. During those times we wrestle with some of our darkest thoughts. When we go through these times we need some good support from caring friends.
Oprah Winfrey's Dr. friend has this to say about the dangers of stress:
Research has shown us time and time again that stress can be a major factor in the development of life threatening diseases and conditions. Heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions have been tied to not only the physical stress we endure, but the emotional stress many suffer as well. Dr. Oz
Throughout the history of God's people, stress has come to some of His greatest servants. Paul the apostle endured times of intense stress. Things were so stressful, in fact, that Paul states that he felt crushed and to the point of despair. 2 Corinthians 1:8 ″For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself.″ The intense stress of some of God's greatest servants comes to the forefront time and again throughout the pages of scripture.
The practical nature of God's word shows forth in that it discusses, not only the fact that we are not alone in suffering these problems, but that there is help. While there are unique pointers that we can gain from medicine in dealing with stress, there are also unique things we can learn from the Bible.
Stress Reduction Group is a good place to meet with other people who are going through things similar to those in our own journey. It is also a great place to learn about the things that the Lord has to offer us in dealing with our stress. The Lord will never tell us merely to "not worry". The Lord will give us things to put in the place of worry. When we are getting rid of something bad we need something good to replace it with. God has great things to put into our lives as we learn to reduce worry. Meet with us at First Church of God on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. The church is located at 2895 E. 24th Road - Marseilles, IL 61341.