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Christmas Frustration #1 - Stress!

Luke 2:8 - 14

“Peace on earth, good will toward men" – this is God’s will for us!

It's easy to get troubled - we live in a troubled world.  On top of that, we all have personal troubles - relationships, job stress, family issues - and the Christmas season can elevate that stress.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”   – John 14:27

John 16:33

Your heart was not made for being troubled – your heart was made for peace. Trouble is always going to be with you – at some level. But He wants to give you something internally that is greater than the external, a substance called peace. It will keep you from imploding, caving in. It will center your world in a great place.

4 Keys to Peace (and don’t get stressed trying to keep them all!)

1. Make a Choice to Rejoice

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”   - Philippians 4:4

Joy is a choice – Rejoicing is a choice. 

 “Rejoice in the Lord always” means that though I may not be able to rejoice in the stuff that’s happening – I can rejoice in the Lord. I can rejoice in His faithfulness, His strength, His grace, His help. 

2. Be Flexible in Relationships

“Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.”  
– Philippians 4:5

A forbearing spirit gives grace and space to people in your world.  Let some things slide – choose your battles.  Settle in yourself to be a low maintenance friend!  Quit trying to change people.  You cannot – only God can!

3. Process life from your prayer closet

Philippians 4:6-7

You will find things in your prayer closet you cannot find anywhere else.  You will get answers and perspectives.  You will move things.  You will find God. You will find yourself.

Don’t go to your prayer closet to worry.  Be a prayer warrior – not a prayer worrier!  Go into prayer with thanksgiving – locating your positives.  Go with faith.  Pray the promise of God – not the problem. 

4. Get a Positive Mind Set

Philippians 4:8

Think about what you’re thinking about. 

Dwell on positive things:
You can focus on doubts – or faith
You can focus on questions – or answers
You can focus on the past – or the future

Think on where you’re going – not on where you’ve been.
Think on the forgiveness of God – not your mistakes.
Think on the help of God – not your inadequacy.
The promises of God and the vision God gives you!