21 Days to Overcome StressНамуна

A Fresh Perspective

Twice a year, I purposefully take personal inventory of my time commitments, pausing to re-evaluate the activities to which I have dedicated myself. I make time to pray over my calendar and listen for the voice of God concerning the priorities that I have set for my life.

The first time is during the last week of December/first week of January. This two-week window is a prime time to identify who you are, who you are becoming, and who you want to be in the New Year. I deeply desire to be a woman whose walk is peaceful and whose purpose is eternal.

The second annual season that I set aside to reconsider the activities that fill my calendar is the last week of August. There is something fresh and new about the days leading into September.

During both of these times, I prayerfully ask myself a simple list of questions. Perhaps, in order to alleviate stress in your valuable life, you would join me in conducting some self-interrogation:

• Does this activity glorify God?
• Is this commitment a benefit or a deficit to my family and home life?
• Does this commitment allow me to make an impact for the kingdom of God?
• Does this activity meet a personal goal that I have set for myself (such as losing weight, learning a new skill, and so forth)?
• Am I doing this to please people or to please the Lord?
• Does this activity add stress to my life?
• Is this an activity that God has for me right now, or is there a different season in life when this activity would be more beneficial for me?
  

After asking yourself the above questions, evaluate your response to each one. Weigh your answers and determine if you should continue with a particular commitment or lay it aside for this season in your life.

Stress happens when we carry more than God has called us to bear, and when we do more than He has called us to do. Remember to stay aligned with God's promises and plans to live your best life.

DAILY DEPOSIT:

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:29-30 NIV