"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Despite attempts for more than a year to figure out what was wrong with me, doctors could not identify a serious medical condition. It's not that I wanted something to be wrong. I certainly didn't need anything else to stress about.
I was desperately seeking a prescription for peace.
Looking back I can see the main culprit for my stress was my job. Overwhelming expectations and the impossible perfectionism my supervisor demanded took their toll on me physically, emotionally and spiritually.
His harsh criticisms and comments made me feel inadequate, and my self-esteem plunged to an all-time low. Chaos swirled around me, stress raged within me, and my health continued to decline. But I didn't recognize the cause.
When a medical diagnosis continued to elude doctors, I believed the lie that excessive stress was normal and I needed to learn how to live with it.
Eventually my stress reached a dangerously high level, and I began to wonder if this was the way God intended life to be. I wasn't even sure if the Bible talked about stress, but I was desperate, so I searched God's Word for answers. Something had to end, and I didn't want it to be my life.
I came across Philippians 4:6-7. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (NLT)
Although I had read these verses before, it was as if a light bulb came on. I was tired of worrying. I was yearning for my heart and mind to be protected and healed. I was longing to control my stress, instead of it controlling me. And I was desperate for peace.
As the words of these verses washed through my soul, I realized I'd been depending on people to diagnose my problems instead of seeking a remedy from God. Going from doctor to doctor, I had overlooked the only One who had a prescription that could heal — Jesus Christ.
As I prayed for the ability to stop worrying and spent more time processing my stress with God, I thanked Him for His provision of my job. And I asked if it was time for me to leave. I needed to be rescued and admitted He was the only One with the power to do so. I committed to trusting His ways, even if I didn't understand them.
Peace didn't come overnight, but it did come. Not because my circumstances changed, but because I tapped into His peace each day in the midst of less-than-peaceful circumstances. Gradually I felt God mend my heart and replace my stress with His truth and love. And when He made it clear after a few months that I was to resign, I was equipped to handle the new stressors that came with that decision.
If you need a prescription for peace, I encourage you to let your thoughts dwell on God's promises and rest in His presence as you pray.
Ask Him to help you release your worry. Praise Him for the good things He's done, and talk to Him about the problems you're struggling with. Seek God's will for every area of your life and commit to trust Him enough to make changes as He nudges you.
True peace comes when we trust God and seek rest in Him, not when life is conflict-free. A daily dose of God's presence and promises is the best prescription for peace.
Dear Lord, I am stressed. I know I need a change in my life, and I am ready for the prescription for peace that only You can offer. Fill me today with a dose of serenity that I cannot find anywhere else but in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Today's devotion is based on Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace in Your Chaotic World by Tracie Miles which releases today! If you purchase the book before October 7th you'll receive 7 GREAT FREE GIFTS to further help with managing stress! Click here for more info.
Visit Tracie's blog to sign up for her free "10 Day Stress Detox" and enter to win a copy of her new book, Stressed-Less Living!
Would you like to bring the message of this devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out how to bring Tracie's Stressed-Lessed Living to your next event.
Reflect and Respond:
How can you trust God in your circumstances and receive His prescription for peace instead of handling problems in your own strength?
How can you trust God in your circumstances and receive His prescription for peace instead of handling problems in your own strength?
Ask God if you need to make changes in your life. If so, pray about the next steps.
Power Verses:
Psalm 107:19, "'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress." (NLT)
Psalm 107:19, "'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress." (NLT)
John 14:27, "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." (NLT)
_______________________
Tracie Miles
Tracie Miles is a member of the national speaker team with Proverbs 31 Ministries and enjoys speaking to women’s groups at keynote events and weekend retreats across the country. Her passion is to lead women closer to the heart of God, help them embrace their value and purpose in Him, and inspire them to live intentionally for Christ.
Tracie is the author of Stressed-Less Living: Finding God’s Peace In Your Chaotic World, recently released in October 2012. She is a contributing writer for the Proverbs 31 Encouragement For Today Devotions, Everyday Life, and has been featured several times in the P31 Woman magazine. Tracie is also the author ofReinventing Your Rainbow, an inspirational book for women focused on finding forgiveness, peace, and joy, while discovering the purpose God created them to fulfill.
Tracie has been married to her husband, Michael, for over 22 years. They have three children and live in Charlotte, NC. Tracie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and worked in the corporate world for 15 years until God placed a call on her heart to focus on Christian speaking and writing. In addition to being a national Proverbs 31 speaker, Tracie is also a Corporate Trainer in the areas of stress management, work/life balance, team building and leadership.
For more information about Tracie, visit her blog at www.traciemiles.com, and connect with her onFacebook and Twitter. Also check out her new book website, www.stressedlessliving.com, for free tips and resources about managing stress, God’s way.
What Others are Saying about Tracie
We couldn’t have been more pleased. It was so apparent that God was with us all weekend and He absolutely spoke through Tracie! We had women ready to register for next year before they left because they were so moved.
Kristy, Buncombe United Methodist, Greenville, SC
The experience I had at the retreat has been life changing. Thank you for sharing your story and for having God speak to me through you. I came home and wrote about my experience because I never want to forget. It is one of the last things I need to do to lay my mask down at the altar. I too, have heard God tell me to share my story but out of shame, I kept it to myself. This past weekend I have been set free. A thank you does not seem enough…….
Retreat Attendee, Fellowship Alliance Chapel, Cape May, NJ
We were so pleased with Tracie and she did a great job of connecting with our ladies!
Cindy, Church of Chapel Hill, Douglasville, GA
We are the ones that were blessed. Thank you, Tracie, for your obedience and the example that you set for the women of our church. We are grateful to have a message that comes alive in the hearts of so many. You did great and know that you touched many. We are enjoying the lingering memory of worship and word that happened this past weekend.
Kathleen, Zarephath Christian Church, Zarephath, NJ
Tracie, we received a powerful testimony in email after the conference. It is further confirmation that God has a plan for each of our lives and I am so blessed that YOU were included in His plan for so many hurting women this weekend.
Shirley, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Peoria, IL
When I started looking for a speaker for our event, every time I went to Proverbs 31 website I was drawn to Tracie. I prayed about the choice but God seemed to lead me back to her every time. She was all and more I was hoping for. I felt like I had known her forever when she arrived. Not only myself, but the ladies have commented on her gentle spirit and friendliness. Her message was one we all needed to be reminded of and I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Donna, Temple Baptist, Simpsonville, SC
The feedback from the ladies at the church was great! The surveys were filled with positive comments. Many ladies left so encouraged and excited to move forward! Thank you so much for the time you put into this, for heeding the Spirit's direction and for sharing your heart with the women of Riva Trace. I believe that you struck a chord with many who attended, and I've heard stories of ladies who opened up/removed masks who had never before felt free enough to be quite so vulnerable. I know that the Holy Spirit moved among the retreat, but I know it's in large part due to your transparency and willingness to be real. Consistent, relevant, Spirit-inspired... perfect!
Kim, Riva Trace Baptist, Riva, MD
Tracie spoke at our event and was amazing. She had an amazing connection with our audience of 225 women. It was incredible and her teachings were bible based as well as intertwined with personal stories that made her really special. She was also available for prayer later and women really spoke highly of her.
Yvonne, North River Community Church, Pembroke, MA
This was a very special annual event for our ladies and it was a pleasure having Tracie as a guest speaker. We were very pleased with Tracie's message and presentation and she related well with our audience.
Gail, Durham Memorial, Charlotte, NC
Speaking Topics
Friendships/Mentoring
You've Got a Friend in Me
Women need friendship. There will always be times in life where we don't feel like we can make it alone and need a friend to lean on. Although we all long for those true friendships, they are often hard to find. Fortunately, a friendship with Jesus is available to every woman, and a commitment to building that friendship is not only a key to happiness, but leads to life transformation. This session will empower you to embark on a wonderful adventure of building an intimate friendship with Christ, while enhancing your relationships with others, as you: • Deepen your relationship with Jesus by learning to break down invisible faith barriers: • Embrace the joy that is found through a passionate pursuit of a friendship with Jesus • Discover six simple friendship habits which can help your relationships with Jesus and others grow deeper and wider
Holiday
The Gifts Under God's Christmas Tree
The best gifts do not come from a store! This message will tug at your heart and help you pull them back from the chaos of the season to a heart focused on worship. Through laughter and holiday spirit, this message will help you carefully unpack the precious gifts that are promised in God's Word, and spiritually prepare your heart for the Christmas season by: • Encouraging you to embrace the real source of joy during the holidays - Understanding how to bask in His presence, instead of the presents • Recognizing how Christmas is an outward celebration of an inward love • Rekindling our thankfulness for Jesus, and remembering the real reason for the season
A Christmas Perspective
The holidays can often be a time of discouragement, sadness, stress and overload, resulting in anxiety, stress and regrets, rather than joy, peace and hope. With a special emphasis on the movie "It's A Wonderful Life", this session brings to life the lessons that George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart, 1946) learned when he encountered an angel who granted his wish of having never been born. By focusing on the real meaning of John 10:10, and engaging with the video clips shown throughout, this session will help you embrace the holiday season with a passionate heart for Christ by: • Encouraging you to embrace the real source of joy during the holidays • Increasing your ability to enjoy the season by letting go of the myths and expectations • Becoming more aware of your significance in God's Kingdom by changing your perspective about past and present circumstances
A Cup of Christmas C.O.C.O.A.
During the busiest season of the year, it is easy to get swept up in the seasonal busyness of the holidays, and inadvertently forget why we are celebrating. Using the acrostic COCOA, you will be encouraged to make Christ the center of your holiday celebrations and learn how He can play a part in your family traditions, as you: • Discover the deep joy that the season can bring if our hearts are decorated for Christ • Overcome the temptation to be overwhelmed with Christmas, instead of overjoyed with Christ • Honor God in our lives by celebrating His love at Christmas
Inner Beauty & Fashion
Loving the Woman in the Mirror
The longing of every woman’s heart is to feel loved, accepted and beautiful, but many of us spend our entire lives seeking these validations from the world, instead of through our identity in Christ. This session leaves women knowing that they are a special child of God, beautiful in every way, and equipped by Him to fulfill a purpose that only they can fulfill. You will walk away with a new perspective on the treasure that you are in God’s eyes by: • Embracing true self confidence that only comes from a relationship with Christ • Stopping the unhealthy cycle of comparison and discovering how true value and beauty comes from God • Position yourself to live a confident life by knowing who you are in Christ
Next Generation
Learning to Be Me and Loving It
It's hard being a young girl in today's society! Constantly trying to please others and fit in with peers is not only emotionally draining, but can result in making bad decisions, feeling powerless to be ourselves, and developing a low self esteem. This session will encourage girls to love themselves for who God made them to be, and help them gain a new perspective on living for Christ. They will walk away with a renewed sense of self esteem and confidence as they: • Understand that true self-confidence is available through a relationship with Christ • Overcome the temptation to play the comparison game, and learn to see yourself through God's eyes • Developing an inner strength to be the kind of girl you want to be
Spiritual Growth
Stress Less Women's Conference
Stress Less Women’s Conference (Visit www.stressedlessliving.com for more info) Session One: Whispers of Relief Hearing and discerning God’s voice is the most important part of our prayer and fellowship with God, especially when it comes to dealing with the overwhelming stress that life brings. Most Christians long to hear God’s voice thundering through the air with the answers to their problems and the stress relief they long for. However, God’s voice is more like a gentle whisper, requiring an intimate relationship in order to hear it. You will be reminded of how God speaks intimately and personally, how He is the answer to our stress, and how to be more aware of His voice as you: - Recognize how to hear God's voice in the unique ways He chooses to speak - Embrace the importance of prayer and fellowship with God • Discover the things that may be causing a disconnect between you and God • Learn how to apply God’s stress-less biblical principles to the top 5 stressors of today Session Two: Staying Afloat In A Sea of Stress Frazzled, frustrated, fatigued. Over committed, overloaded and overwhelmed. This is how the majority of women feel as a result of being bombarded with relentless stress from everyday life, and sometimes many women feel like jumping overboard. Sadly, most of us are looking for stress relief in the all the wrong places, and the worldly relief we may find is only a temporary band-aid. Through this empowering session, you will experience a stress-makeover in heart, mind and soul as you: • Understand the negative consequences of ignoring stress • Recognize the physical and spiritual benefits of looking to God for stress relief • Learn to tap into the power and presence of God to regain a life of peace • Discover how to live a life of joy despite your circumstances through learning that Jesus dealt with stress and understands what we are going through Session Three: Jumping Overboard in Faith God often calls us to do things that seem beyond our comfort zone or capabilities, possibly causing us to hesitate in our obedience and question our calling. This session will help you realize that God has been equipping you throughout your lifetime for the purpose He destined just for you. You will be motivated to put your stress and fears aside, and embrace your passion for Christ while developing a new perspective on how God has called you to serve. This session will empower you to go overboard in your faith, as you: • Understand how to cultivate a true servants heart • Replace the fear of failure with God inspired confidence and enthusiasm for purpose • Recognize how procrastination results in missing God’s best • Build your desire to faithfully and passionately seek God’s will for your life • If desired, you may bring one of the Stress-Less topics to your church as a single keynote message.
Woman Overboard! Discovering the Stress-Less Life
Frazzled, frustrated, fatigued, over committed, overloaded and overwhelmed. This is how the majority of women feel as a result of being bombarded with relentless stress from everyday life. Sadly, most of us are looking for stress relief in all the wrong places, and the help we may find, is not the help that will get us through. Through this engaging session, you will experience a stress-makeover in heart, mind and soul as you: • Understand the physical and spiritual benefits of looking to God for stress relief • Tap into the power and presence of God to regain a life of peace • Recognize and embrace the biblical principles for dealing with the top 5 stressors of today • Discover how to live a life of joy despite your circumstances through an understanding of how Jesus dealt with stress
Staying Afloat in a Sea of Stress
Frazzled, frustrated, fatigued. Over committed, overloaded and overwhelmed. This is how the majority of women feel as a result of being bombarded with relentless stress from everyday life, and sometimes many women feel like jumping overboard. Sadly, most of us are looking for stress relief in the all the wrong places, and the worldly relief we may find is only a temporary band-aid. Through this empowering session, you will experience a stress-makeover in heart, mind and soul as you: • Understand the negative consequences of ignoring chronic stress • Recognize the physical and spiritual benefits of looking to God for stress relief • Identify the top 5 stressors of society today and how God’s Word helps us cope • Learn to tap into the power and presence of God to regain a life of peace • Discover how to live a life of joy despite your circumstances by recognizing how Jesus understands from experience
Turn Your Past Into Your Passion
Many women live with the lie that their past defines their future, instead of realizing that their past actually determines their destiny if we allow God to use our experiences to His glory. Believing the promise found in Romans 8:28 allows a woman to find freedom from guilt and shame over mistakes or sin in her life and embrace the gift of knowing that her life has been divinely designed by a loving God. This session will help you leave with a transformed heart as you learn to: • Embrace inner peace by finding freedom from the debilitating feelings of shame • Understand that you must forgive yourself as well as accepting God’s forgiveness • Believe in God’s merciful promise of a designed destiny and will for your life
Empowered By a Whisper
Hearing and discerning God’s voice is the most important part of our prayer and fellowship time with God. Most Christians long to hear God’s voice thundering through the air with the answers to their problems. However, God’s voice is more like a gentle whisper, requiring an intimate relationship in order to hear it. You will be reminded of how God speaks intimately and personally, and learn how to be more aware of His voice in your own life as you: • Recognize how to hear God’s voice in the unique ways He chooses to speak • Embrace the importance of prayer and fellowship with God • Discover the things that may be causing a disconnect between you and God
Embracing the Call
God often calls us to do things that seem beyond our comfort zone or capabilities, causing us to hesitate in our obedience and question our calling. This session focuses on helping you realize that God has been equipping you throughout your lifetime for the purpose He destined just for you, even if His plan does not make sense to you yet. You will be inspired to take a leap of faith in your life, as you: • Understand how to cultivate a true servants heart • Replace the fear of failure with God inspired confidence and enthusiasm for purpose • Recognize how procrastination results in missing God’s best • Build your desire to faithfully and passionately seek God’s will for your life
Taking Off the Mask
It begins in adolescence, and continues throughout our lifetime – the art of putting on a plastic smile, hiding our past, covering our flaws, and masking our inner most hurts and insecurities. Your heart will be transformed as you recognize the peace that is available through forgiveness, and the joy of being real with ourselves, others, and God. You will walk away with a sense of excitement and empowerment to use God’s victories in your life to help others see Him as you: • Embrace inner peace by finding freedom from the debilitating feelings of shame • Reduce self-condemning thoughts by understanding God’s forgiveness and love • Discover how God can turn your past into your purpose
Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life
It’s easy to be positive when times are good, but when it seems that everything in life is not going well and we run into difficult times and situations, keeping a positive attitude can be tough. We all know that the best way to keep a positive attitude during difficult times is to understand that our joy comes from Christ, not from circumstances, but that is easier said done. In this session you will be inspired to stay positive in good times and bad as you: • Stop the unhealthy cycle of comparing ourselves and our lives to other people • Develop positive perspectives on the things that happen in everyday life • Embrace the ability to look at the future with a renewed hope • Identify four ways to experience a joy-filled life
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