Blessed, Not Stressed
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Psalm 127:1-2
How many things are we stressed about in life, and would our stress decrease if we put them in God’s hands? If we let the Lord build our house and we trust him to watch over us, then we trade our stress for his blessings?
The Lord builds our house means he molds us to be Christ-like and we walk in faith serving the Lord, praying for guidance and protection for our family. We cannot please God unless we have the faith to let him be lord of our life and guide us through the Holy Spirit. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6). Now if we have faith that pleases God, then we can have the blessing of peace and joy from the Spirit to take away our stress.
The key to receive God’s blessings and his divine power is to put the Lord as first priority in our lives. This implies we follow the Spirit, developing a heart of love as we live to bring Christ to lost souls. This becomes the main purpose of our lives, to show Christ-like behavior everywhere and at all times. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24).
We have now become God’s servant and we reap his blessings. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33). If we put God first he promises to care of our needs, which includes our physical needs. If however we guide our own life and ask God to help, then we could be asking God to be our servant. Everyone who is called by My name. And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made. (Isaiah 43:7). We are blessed when we serve the Lord, letting him guide us to make wise decisions and handle life with his wisdom. When we have the faith to trust God’s perfect love to guide us, our stress will virtually disappear.
Today seek guidance from the Lord and trade your stress for his blessings. Remember the Lord’s ways are always perfect if we obey and have patience. Note the more we trust the Lord, putting the outcome in his hands, the more peace and joy we can experience. The blessings from the Lord are more love, peace, and joy, as he guides us and enables us to work as he fulfills our worldly needs.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust you more and to surrender to your divine will. Remind me to call on you whenever I start to get stressed, and thank you for slowing me down and realizing that you are always with me. Give me a truly thankful heart for the blessing you give me; your grace through Christ and your guidance through life to my heavenly home in your divine presence. In Jesus name, Amen