Are you living a healthy life? There is a difference between being "alive" and living a healthy life to the fullest. You don't want to just live long, you want to live long and be healthy.
You can live a long life and be miserable the whole time, or you can live long and be healthy. If you've ever been sick and been healthy, you know healthy is better.
Stress is a key factor in determining your physical, mental and emotional prosperity. Stress robs you of your health, your wealth, your position, your family, your peace, and the length of your days here on earth.
Unquestionably, most people have experienced stress. Stress brings to light issues that may either harm or strengthen your faith. Stress is the reason why marriages breakup, people don't get married, individuals can't lose weight, and others can't keep a job. We can go on and on—why the kids act crazy, and the husband and wife don't have good intimacy. Stress is the culprit.
God never drives nor pushes you into stressful situations. The Bible says, the Holy Ghost guides and leads. If there's any stress in your life, it would be from disobeying and fighting against His leading. By doing this, you can actually feed and grow stress in your life.
Every day, take a break. Choose a place where you are going to relax. I'm not talking about at the end of the day when your body's tired and you're just coming from work, school, and you just want to exhale.
I'm talking about in the middle of your day, full of activities, you decide to take a mindfulness praise moment. I would write this down on my "To Do List." Put it in your cell phone, computer or in a place where you can be reminded to make a conscious decision to practice mindfulness.
A good time to do this is after a conflict at work, a disagreement with your spouse, or someone just lied on you. Practice mindfulness after whatever has the potential to trigger stress. Make this decision today. This is a key to living a lifestyle that is unstressed.
Psalm 103:1-2 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul." David shows us his mind and his emotions. This is what you must do. You are to "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and don't forget the benefits He's given you!"
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).
