“In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted)! For I have overcome the world. (I have derived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.)” (John 16:33)
Stress is on the rise in today’s world. The good news is that, although we Christians may be in the world, we are not of the world (John 17:11-14). We do not have to operate on the world’s system—thinking, talking, or acting like the world—and we shouldn’t. In fact, our attitude and approach toward the situations of life should be entirely different from the world’s.
The source of our stress is not really difficulties, circumstances, and situations, but our attitude and approach toward them.
Jesus said that difficulties will come our way, but they do not have to upset us. We don’t have to accept the stress being offered us. We have the privilege of approaching the challenges of everyday life in a calm, peaceful manner.
I believe we can live stress free in a stressful world, but it will require some decisions—possibly some radical decisions.
Allow God’s spirit to lead you out of a stressful lifestyle into one of peace and joy. Change your attitude and approach, and God will change your circumstance in due time.
Say This: “I choose to receive God’s grace today to help me live stress free even in the midst of a stressful world.”
From Life in the Word Devotional by Joyce Meyer
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers.
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on the mind, mouth, moods and attitudes. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.
Joyce hosts a TV and radio show, Enjoying Everyday Life, which broadcasts worldwide to a potential audience of 4.5 billion people. She has authored 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages. More than 12 million of her books have been distributed free of charge around the world, and each year millions of copies are sold.
Joyce conducts close to a dozen domestic and international conferences every year, teaching people to enjoy their everyday lives. For 30 years, her annual women's conference has attracted more than 200,000 women from all over the world to St. Louis for specifically themed teachings by her and guest speakers.
Through her teachings, God has provided opportunities to meet the needs of the suffering and bring the Gospel in a practical way. Joyce's passion to help hurting people every day is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. These outreaches around the globe include feeding programs, medical care, homes for orphans, and programs combatting human trafficking. In her hometown of St. Louis, Joyce and Dave, her husband, founded the St. Louis Dream Center (SLDC) in 2000. The SLDC serves the inner city through hands-on programs targeted at reaching the lost and hurting with the love of Christ.
Over the years, God has provided Joyce with many opportunities to share her testimony and the life-changing message of the Gospel. Having suffered sexual abuse throughout her childhood, as well as just dealing with the struggles of everyday life, Joyce discovered the freedom to live victoriously by applying God's Word to her life and in turn desires to help others do the same.
Joyce is and continues to be an incredible testimony of the dynamic, redeeming work of Jesus Christ.