Is There Help for Remaining Calm when under Stress?

Remaining calm in stressful situations is extremely difficult to achieve and maintain, but it’s essential to achieving healthy objectives. The temptation is to become angry, lose control, and use harsh language along with impulsive behaviors that are often motivated by fear.

While all struggles within a relationship can’t be avoided, they do not have to be destructive. Remaining calm and composed in the mist of strife is possible by remaining focused on the positive attributes of the other person rather than making a point or winning the conflict.

One important source for remaining calm is to acknowledge that Jesus is capable of calming the most severe storms of life as we seek his presence. 

A powerful hymn allows us to remain focused and in control if we stay centered on its challenge: “Be still, my soul! The Lord is on your side.” This message will defeat any effort to sweep you off course. So may the peace that Jesus gives rule in your heart during this Easter season.  

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Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. 

~Philippians 4:7 Contemporary English Version

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What Purpose Does Grief Serve in Our Lives?

Grief is impossible to avoid because so many variables of life are beyond our control, like other people’s behavior and choices. Loved ones pass away, divorce causes us much sorrow, our health declines, accidents result in permanent injuries, our children may never measure up to their potential.

Grief created by an important loss can become complicated when the grieving person becomes fixated or stuck in anger or depression. It’s understandable how a person could permit these crucial emotions to linger on indefinitely when so much of life changes by experiencing a significant loss.

Each stage of grief is designed to help us navigate a particular timeframe in recovery and healing. Thus God permits us to face that reality in stages so healing eventually can take place. God’s word is explicit. “Get rid of all bitterness and anger,” so you can experience his peace. God will help you do it.                          

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Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:7 God’s Word Translation

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Who or What Is in the Heart of Your Ambition?

Ambition has been the driving force behind every great achievement since God created us. Listen to his command: “Be fruitful and increase in numbers, fill the earth and subdue it.” Ambition is blessed by God when its purpose and goal benefit everyone. Yet reality testifies that ambition is not always in compliance with God’s purpose.

Temptation will wait for ambition’s vulnerable moment and present itself through a person or inanimate object. Enticement often originates in the heart and mind, where vulnerability is continuously present.

Before becoming discouraged, listen to the hope provided in God’s word. Although we are inclined to permit ambition to entrap us in sin, by God’s grace he forgives and cleans us from all unrighteousness. By God’s power, temptation doesn’t have the final word. God has the final word, so dedicate the object of your ambition completely to Christ Jesus and to serving him with all your heart.  

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I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.

~Ephesians 1:17-18 New International Version

 

His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:7 The Living Bible

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Securing Peace Within

It’s interesting to note that most businesses prepare for the Christmas season by purchasing products well in advance. I know someone who shops for holiday gifts in July. For this person it decreases stress and provides for a consciousness of peace. Being at peace with oneself is a worthy objective.

While securing peace is not always easy, conflict resolution is usually possible. What causes peace to be fragile and tentative is that human nature tends to believe one’s own way of thinking and believing is superior to others. Contentment, joy, and peace come by accepting that all people are created in the image of God.

While this may not totally eliminate disharmony, you can listen to what others believe, think, and feel without arguing. Although difficult, you can conduct yourself on this level. Listen to Philippians 4:7.  “Let the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” That is God's gift to you.

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“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

~John 14:27 New Living Translation 

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Christ's Peace at Christmas – Receive It

The chaos we encounter during the holidays often comes from within ourselves, wrapped up in expectations that are out of bounds for what actually needs to be achieved. Chaos and joy are not easily blended. Reevaluating what I expect and what others expect is a process of separating truth from fantasy. What I can be in reality now must be accepted.

Jesus is God’s gift of peace even as we live with chaos and troubles. Jesus said, “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give.” What we can do now is open our hearts completely to receive this precious gift. God bless you and Merry Christmas.  

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I leave behind with you – peace; I give you my own peace, and my gift is nothing like the peace of this world. You must not be distressed, and you must not be daunted.

~John 14:27 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

~Philippians 4:7 Contemporary English Version

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Fight or Flight OR a Better Choice

Conflict demands a response, and the most common reaction is to fight. Another is to take flight and run away. Fighting is characterized by hot verbal exchanges, and in a marriage relationship to blame each other for every bad experience since taking the marriage vows. Whatever form fighting embraces, rarely does conflict reach resolution within these conditions.

Taking flight to manage conflict can be observed in several distinct forms. Literally running away to avoid angry confrontations is not uncommon for those who hate fighting. The shy, reserved personality type who feels unsafe and threatened by angry outbursts may immediately withdraw emotionally or physically to avoid conflict.

Perpetual conflict is an indicator of dysfunctional relationships and a sure endangerment to the stability of a marriage or friendship. The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world so we could live life to the fullest, and that doesn’t mean a life full of conflict, but rather one full of peace and contentment. It is absolutely possible to choose these feelings rather than conflict.  

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A thief does not come for any purpose but to steal and kill and destroy; I have come for people to have life and have it till it overflows.

~John 10:10 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:7 Good News Bible