The top things that cause us stress in life have to do with our environment, our relationships, our work and our social lives.  Each of these things should also be rewarding, but when you think about it, the most anxious moments occur when we are faced with decisions regarding them.

When you compile those things and realize that you’ve been through each and everyone of them in just the past couple years, it could take you over the edge.  For example – we’ve been struggling for the past few years on selling our home.  We’ve lived in it for 24 years.  It’s a lovely place with much love poured into it during that time, but it’s become a nightmare to maintain as we age.

Our relationships are all solid, but when our oldest daughter and her family moved to another distant state, it was more than tough to say goodbye.  Many of our friends have died in the past year and more are fighting serious illnesses.  Families live far apart and we rarely get to see each other.  Within our immediate family we’ve experienced cancer, a stroke and other serious illnesses.

Though my husband and I are both “retired”, it’s necessary to continue to work at various jobs simply to make ends meet.  We’re two of the blessed ones, because our work has always brought us great satisfaction and we love what we do.  I sometimes wonder if I will continue to work right up until my dying day.  Many folks are unhappy in their jobs, aren’t paid what they think they deserve, and have conflicts with their bosses or fellow workers.

The social part of anxiety is based on wealth or lack of it, discrimination, being isolated from others, unemployed or harassment.  Money can make or break an individual.  Being alone is frightful and sad.  When you don’t have a job you feel useless and hopeless.  When you face adversity alone, your faith can waiver. We have never lacked for friends, but often when times go sour, many of them may desert you.

When everything runs smoothly, our stress levels are on an even keel, but when one of them fails, everything else suffers too.  There is only One who can relieve us of our anxiety, our suffering, our pain, our loss, our fears.  He’s the One who brought good news to a sin sick world – shed His blood for all sinners – suffered unbelievable physical and emotional distress and had no place to rest His head.  He’s the One who loves us unconditionally – who took our place – who died and rose again to prove that He is God and that His plan for humanity has been fulfilled.

When we reach a breaking point in life – when it seems that things will never fall into place for us – remember how important we are to our God.  He wants us to live good lives, but He’s got even better things in store for us in eternity. PERFECTION!