Dear Logos Family,
Here is another helpful devotional from Pastor Rick Warren on keeping yourself fueled and emotionally healthy during stressful seasons.
Show grace to yourself and others (James 4:6)
Treat yourself and others how God treats you – with grace, mercy, and forgiveness. God always give us what we need, not what we deserve. During hard times, we need extra grace.
Be kind to yourself. Don’t expect yourself to perform at the same level you did before a crisis period. You’re likely exhausted, so is everyone else. That’s normal with prolonged stress. Cut people (including yourself) some slack.
Start and end each day refueling your soul. (James 1:21)
According to the Message paraphrase, the Bible says, “I was up before sunrise, crying for help, hoping for a word from you.” (Psalm 119:147) When you’re looking for hope, you need time in God’s word. Recent studies have proven that the attitude you have for the entire day is set during the first few minutes of your morning.
One way to keep from burning out is to put your Bible near your bed and leave it open. (We’re likely to overlook a closed Bible but not an open one.) Before you do anything else, read a passage from God’s Word and reflect on it. Read until God speaks to you – whether it’s one verse or a chapter.
Set and stick to a routine. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Predictability is an important stress reducer, especially when everything is changing in your life. A routine gives you the stability you need to help you refuel your tank.
Reduce your media consumption. (Matthew 6:22-23)
It’s easy to spend extra time watching television or scrolling through social media when you feel overwhelmed. But if you fill your mind with constant images of negativity, you’ll only raise your stress level. A stressful period is a great time to build new routines that include less media consumption.
Schedule a daily time to connect with the people you love. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
One of the most meaningful things you can do during a difficult season is to listen carefully to people. It doesn’t take long to lift someone’s spirit, but it does need to be intentional. You won’t drift into meaningful connections. It’ll take a commitment – and likely a consistent spot on your calendar. You need meaningful connections to refuel emotionally – and so do the people you love.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Bill