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Less Stress

A relaxed attitude lengthens a man's life.¹

I remember reading about a small bridge in a rural area. Its load limit was ten tons. It served its community very well for thirty years until a twelve-ton truck tried to cross it. The added stress was beyond the bridge's capacity—it collapsed under the extra load.

We're all like that. Each of us has a limit as to how much stress we can handle before we break. It is well documented that too much stress is a killer, therefore, we need to know just how much we can handle and learn to limit the load we carry.

However, even though my load limit may be “ten or fifteen tons,” if I'm not flexible and able to bend with the winds of adversity and learn how to go with the flow of life’s circumstances, I may collapse well below my load limit.

The Bible says we need to learn how to have a relaxed attitude in the midst of stressful and pressured situations. While it isn't easy, we need to limit the load we attempt to carry and learn to set healthy boundaries that will allow time for rest and play as well. And above all, we need to learn to trust our lives completely to God and rest in Him.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, please help me learn to limit my load and trust You completely in the midst of my pressured and stressful life. Thank you for being my refuge and strength, and for being my place of rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 

1. Proverbs 14:30.

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.