I believe today the average American is under a lot of stress. We know that some stress is good for us, it keep us on our toes, but when it overwhelms us it causes distress and at that point it affects us in a negative way and becomes counter productive.
I’m sure many of you at times have felt like unplugging your phone, unplugging from social media, your radio and or TV. The negative news cycle, the back and forth on Covid-19, mask wearing, schools, violence, the border, drugs, and the list goes on and on. It’s no wonder stress, a n d poor health is affecting many individuals in our society today.
So what can we do? What is the solution? Is there a solution? I believe there is. First of all, no matter what, we cannot, we most not ever give up. There might be times when you feel like quitting or giving up, but don’t you dare. as long as you keep fighting, and pick yourself up each time you fall, then in a sense you have already won. But if you quit you’ll never know how close you might have been to victory.
One way to stay positive and productive each day is to begin each day on a positive note. As soon as you jump out of bed, give thanks for being alive. Gratitude is a very positive powerful emotion and softens your heart for having a great day! There will always be someone nearby or someone you know who won’t wake up today. Give thanks, and be grateful each and every day. There is a verse in scripture that puts it this way: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24). I believe waking up with a positive mindset will help you get off on the right foot so to speak. It will set the tone for the first part of your day. Of course things will happen throughout the day that will disrupt your positivity, and that’s ok. The good news is once you are cheerful, and smiling it will be harder to stay upset and irritated at the circumstance.
Many of you know a friend, family member, or relative that is experiencing a crisis or some major health problem. We wish that we could help in some way, and you can. Some of you may not believe in prayer, but I can tell you from personal experience that prayer works. Your prayer is never ignored. You may not like the answer you get or you may have to wait much longer than you wanted. But know this, that your prayer will be answered.
It takes a strong faith and belief in the Almighty, but you will get an answer. If you are not a believer don’t take my word for it. Ask someone you know and trust that is a believer and ask them. There are many verses in scripture that talk about healing. I’ll share one that says: “O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me,” (Psalm 30:2) The Lord loves us and wants to help us. But you have to ask. It’s just nice to know he is here for you if you are a believer. If you are not, that’s okay. Just remember it’s never too late to change your mind.
I know at times we feel helpless that there’s not much we can do to help someone dear to us that is in a lot of pain. But there is something that a person can do for themselves, especially if they are a believer. But they are the ones that need to take action. You can point them to a verse in scripture but they have to ask for themselves.
The following verse from scripture is very powerful and can truly help them with there suffering. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall.” ( Psalm 55:22). If you are a believer, and try to do what is right in God‘a eye there is nothing He won’t do for you including healing you from your suffering. He will give you the strength you need when you are weak. In our weakness God’s power is made perfect.
If you are a non-believer that’s okay, we will all be judged someday. Believers, non-believers, the good, and the bad, even if you don’t believe until your dying breath, it’s never too late to change your mind. Jesus looks at your heart, and he will still love and accept your until the very end, if you are sincere in your love of Christ.
So remember start your day on a positive note. Know that there might be chaos throughout the day, but take comfort in knowing that there is refuge in stressful moments. Just remember to pause, breathe, take a short time out if you need to, refocus yourself, smile, and press on until the next time, Godspeed, Carbie out.
The One-Minute Prisoner 