There is no doubt in this age there are a lot of things we can worry about. It is easy to slip into a fearful, worried, frenzied and stressful lifestyle. God does not want your life to be endured, but to be lived. Paul tells us something different in Philippians 4.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near! Philippians 4:4-5 Most people are so busy surviving life that they don’t slow down to enjoy it. God gave us life so that we can live, not to just endure. God provides a joy that surpasses anything we can create on our own. God’s joy endures because it is from Him. Our happiness is temporary because it is from us and we allow stress and worry to steal it from us. Here are some steps that can help you reduce your stress.

STEP ONE -Stop Worrying! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 STEP TWO-Pray about everything! STEP THREE- Be Thankful! Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 STEP FOUR-Change your way of thinking STEP FIVE- Understand that God is here to help you Stress has its root in our worry. We cannot worry ourselves to joy. Worry is interest paid on a debt you don’t owe. Jesus said it best in Matthew 5.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27 If you are looking for a Church to call home I want to encourage you to visit First Baptist and see what God is doing in our Church. We have ministries to help you grow and understand your faith. We want to be genuine and relevant and we want to make a difference. We are looking forward to meeting you! First Baptist Church is located at the corner of 4th and Foley. Morning Bible Study begins at 8:45 a.m., with our Morning Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. Our Wednesday Night programs begin at 6 p.m. I would also invite you to visit our website at www.eufaulafbc. org.

Know that you are loved! Pastor J. First Baptist Church of Eufaula