Stress

Have you ever had your head “hangin” low? Perhaps you were depressed. It seemed everybody or everything was against you. Or, maybe your head was “hangin” low in shame. Or maybe you are at a crossroads and don’t know what to do. The acclaimed King David knew what it was like to have his head hanging low. He penned these words, “You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” (Psalm 3:3)

His head had been down, but he knew on whom to focus – the Lord.

If your head is hanging low today, remember that God sees you and cares about you. Whatever you are facing, He is the lifter of your head, just as He was David’s.

Try the following.

1) Turn to Psalm 3 and read it. It is only 8 verses. Read Psalm 1, only 6 verses.

2) Write in your journal a verse that is meaningful to you and a verse that is instructive. Personalize the verses. For instance, I wrote in my journal, “Psalm 1:1a, 2-3b. How blessed is the woman whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law she meditates day and night.” Blessed, not stressed. Blessed, not head hangin low.

What happens when we follow our Father’s instruction and lift our heads and eyes to His glorious Word? We experience hope, peace, grace, and glory in Him. If your head is “hangin” low, lift it to God and His Word.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for giving us Your Word that LIFTS OUR HEAD. We love and praise You.

In the book of Psalms, King David would often shift his focus from his problems to praising God. We, too, can change our focus to praising the Lord when our head is hanging low. Use this FREE PRINTABLE to discover some of the countless attributes of Jesus to praise Him for. 

 

Have you ever had your head “hangin” low? Perhaps you were depressed. It seemed everybody or everything was against you. Or, maybe your head was “hangin” low in shame. Or maybe you’re at a crossroads and don’t know what to do.  The acclaimed King David knew what it was like to have his head hanging low. He penned these words,

“You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who LIFTS MY HEAD.” (Psalm 3:3)

His head had been down, but he knew on whom to focus – the Lord. 

If your head is hanging low today, remember this comforting truth – God sees you and cares about you. Whatever you’re facing, He is the  LIFTER of YOUR HEAD, just as He was David’s. How?

Try the following. 1) Turn to Psalm 3:3 and read it. It’s only 8 verses. Read Psalm 1, only 6 verses. 2) Write in your journal a verse that is meaningful to you and a verse that is instructive. Personalize the verses. For instance, I wrote in my journal, Prayers of My Heart, “Psalm 1:1a, 2-3b. How blessed is the woman whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law she meditates day and night.” BLESSED, NOT STRESSED. BLESSED, NOT HEAD HANGIN LOW.

What happens when we follow our Father’s instruction and lift our head and eyes to His glorious Word? We experience hope, peace, grace, and glory found only in Him. If your head is “hangin” low, lift it to God and His Word.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for giving us Your Word that lifts our head. We love and praise You.

Does it seem to you that Christmas arrives faster every year, but that it’s gone before we know it? Yes, voices echo through workplaces and homes, “I haven’t put up my Christmas tree.” “I haven’t done my shopping or holiday cooking.” “I’m so far behind!” But, why all the hoopla? Why such a fuss? Are we putting stress on ourselves that is contrary to the very will of Christ who said to not worry about anything, to tell Him our needs, and not forget to thank Him for His answers? (Philippians 4:6-7) Slowing down each day to mindfully rest in Christ’s presence and thank Him for His provisions is a blessing we are wise not to neglect. Writing out our prayers and thanksgiving to God is a proven way to slow us down and make us more mindfully grateful. Prayers of My Heart Journal – a gift to yourself and others.

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we get in such a twit about worldly things instead of focusing on the one thing you said really matters – sitting at your feet. Help us daily do just that – rest in Your presence and glory in Your nearness. We love You.

I heard it in her voice...

even though I was just reading her email. She had a deadline. She was short-handed. Shoulders tensed, she wondered how she could get her kids from school, swing by the hospital, and still meet her 5 p.m. deadline. Can you relate, if not to her situation, to a time when you’ve felt pressure and been stressed? If so, consider adopting the following two tips to find rest in stress.
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