Managing Stress: Finding Peace in God’s Presence 🌻🕊️
Opening Prayer: Dear God, I am overwhelmed by stress and need Your peace to calm my heart. Please help me find rest in Your presence and guide me in managing the pressures I face. Let Your peace replace my anxiety and fill me with tranquility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Title: Managing Stress: Finding Peace and Calm Through God
Hi, Miriam Smith Stevens here. Stress can feel overwhelming, and I often found myself struggling to find balance. But I discovered a simple yet profound truth: God offers peace amidst our stress.
Crisis: Stress was consuming my life, leaving me feeling overwhelmed.
Pivot: I turned to God’s promise of rest and peace.
Rebirth: By embracing Matthew 11:28, I found relief from stress ananaging Stress: Finding Peace in God’s Presence 🌻🕊️
Matthew 11:28 says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Using the C.P.R. + N.O.W. methodology, I transitioned from being overwhelmed by stress (Crisis) to seeking God’s rest (Pivot), resulting in a renewed sense of peace and calm (New-Beginning). If stress is weighing you down, come to God and let Him give you rest.!
Finding Peace in the Presence of God to Manage Stress: A C.P.R. + N.O.W. Approach
Stress is a universal challenge that often feels overwhelming and relentless. However, through a spiritual lens, we can find profound peace and strength in the presence of God. This article explores how to manage stress by using a structured approach—C.P.R. + N.O.W.—to guide you through the process of crisis management, personal transformation, and new beginnings, with biblical insights and contemporary applications.
1. Crisis: Understanding Stress and Its Impact
Definition and Context:
Greek: The term “crisis” (κρίσις) implies a moment of decision or judgment, which can create a critical turning point in one’s life.
Hebrew: The word “צרה” (tsarah) means trouble or distress.
Stress often feels like a crisis—an intense moment of pressure or distress that can disrupt our peace. Biblically, crises can be seen as moments where God tests our faith and character (James 1:2-4). The Old Testament recounts numerous instances where the Israelites faced crises, such as their captivity in Egypt (Exodus 14:10-14), demonstrating how crises can lead to deeper dependence on God.
Reflective Question:
How does understanding stress as a crisis rather than a permanent state help you view your challenges differently?
Answer: Viewing stress as a crisis emphasizes that it’s a temporary situation and a turning point, not a permanent state. This perspective encourages seeking God’s intervention and preparing for growth, rather than feeling trapped.
2. Pivot: Shifting Perspectives
Definition and Context:
Greek: The word “μετάνοια” (metanoia) means repentance or a change of mind.
Hebrew: “תשובה” (teshuvah) translates to return or repentance.
The pivot is the crucial step where we shift our mindset from viewing stress as overwhelming to seeing it as an opportunity for spiritual growth. Jesus calls us to cast our burdens on Him (Matthew 11:28-30), inviting us to experience a transformative shift in how we perceive and handle stress.
Reflective Question:
How can shifting your perspective from stress to spiritual growth change your approach to daily challenges?
Answer: Shifting perspective can transform stress into a pathway for spiritual growth, allowing us to lean on God and develop resilience. This change in mindset helps us see stress as a chance to grow closer to God rather than a source of defeat.
3. Rebirth: Embracing Transformation
Definition and Context:
Greek: “Αναγέννηση” (anagennesis) refers to rebirth or regeneration.
Hebrew: “הִתְחַדְשׁוּת” (hitḥadeshut) means renewal or transformation.
Rebirth involves personal transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. This process aligns with Romans 12:2, which speaks about the renewal of our minds. Through this transformation, we learn to manage stress with a renewed spirit and a deeper connection to God’s peace.
Reflective Question:
What are some practical steps you can take to embrace personal transformation during stressful times?
Answer: Practical steps include daily prayer, reading scripture, seeking spiritual counsel, and engaging in activities that foster a positive mindset. These practices help us to be spiritually renewed and better equipped to handle stress.
4. New Beginnings: Embracing Fresh Starts
Definition and Context:
Greek: “Νέα αρχή” (nea archi) means new beginning.
Hebrew: “הַתְּחָלָה” (hatchalah) means commencement or start.
New beginnings symbolize a fresh start and an opportunity to rebuild from a place of strength. Lamentations 3:22-23 speaks of God’s mercies being new every morning, reminding us that each day offers a chance to begin anew.
Reflective Question:
How can embracing new beginnings help you to move forward after a stressful period?
Answer: Embracing new beginnings allows us to leave past stresses behind and focus on new opportunities and growth. This mindset encourages a positive outlook and helps us build a resilient foundation for future challenges.
5. Our Witness: Reflecting God’s Peace
Definition and Context:
Greek: “Μάρτυρας” (martyrs) means witness or testimony.
Hebrew: “עֵד” (ed) means witness or evidence.
Our witness is how we reflect God’s peace and strength to others. Philippians 4:7 promises that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds. By living out this peace, we become a testament to God’s faithfulness and care, encouraging others in their own journeys.
Reflective Question:
How can you use your experience of God’s peace to encourage others facing stress?
Answer: Sharing personal testimonies of how God has provided peace in times of stress can offer hope and encouragement to others. This witness not only affirms God’s presence but also strengthens communal faith.
6. Modern Strategies: Implementing in Today’s World
Definition and Context:
In today’s fast-paced world, managing stress while remaining connected to God involves practical strategies. These include mindfulness, time management, and seeking community support.
Reflective Question:
What are some modern strategies that can help you stay connected to God and manage stress effectively?
Answer: Strategies include setting aside time for daily devotionals, practicing mindfulness and meditation, using stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, and staying connected with supportive friends and community groups.
7. Social Media, Influencers, and Cancel Culture: Navigating the Modern Landscape
Social media and influencers can amplify stress and anxiety, often promoting unrealistic standards. Cancel culture adds to the pressure, creating an environment of judgment and exclusion. Navigating this landscape requires a strong sense of identity and reliance on God’s standards rather than societal pressures.
Reflective Question:
How can you maintain peace and avoid stress when engaging with social media and influencers?
Answer: Maintaining peace involves setting boundaries for social media use, focusing on positive and uplifting content, and grounding oneself in God’s truth rather than societal expectations. Regular reflection and prayer can help maintain perspective and peace.
8. Personal Reflection: My Journey to Peace
In October 2008, I faced a traumatic event that left me struggling with fear and stress. To regain peace, I immersed myself in God’s Word, listened to uplifting music, and engaged in self-care practices. Scriptures like Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 34:4 became anchors, reminding me of God’s protection and peace. Writing, connecting with loved ones, and actively working to overcome isolation helped me rebuild my sense of normalcy and peace.
Reflective Question:
How can your personal experiences of overcoming stress through faith inspire others who are facing similar challenges?
Answer: Sharing personal experiences of overcoming stress through faith can offer hope and practical strategies to others. It demonstrates that with God’s help, transformation and peace are possible, encouraging others to seek their own path to healing.
5 Steps of Grace to Heal and Grow at Your Own Pace
Healing and personal growth are deeply individual journeys. Embracing grace allows us to move forward at our own pace without rushing or feeling pressured. Here are five steps, supported by scriptures and affirmations, to help you navigate your path to healing and growth with peace and assurance.
**1. Embrace the Process
Scripture: Philippians 1:6 (NIV) – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Affirmation: “I trust in God’s timing and believe that the work He has started in me will be completed in His perfect time.”
Explanation: Embracing the process means accepting that healing and growth take time. God is working in you, even if progress feels slow. Trust that each step, no matter how small, is part of a greater plan.
**2. Practice Self-Compassion
Scripture: Psalm 103:13 (NIV) – “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
Affirmation: “I am kind to myself and recognize that God’s compassion for me is unending. I give myself grace as I heal and grow.”
Explanation: Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Recognize that you are deserving of grace and patience from yourself as you navigate your healing journey.
**3. Seek Support and Community
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV) – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
Affirmation: “I surround myself with supportive friends and community who uplift and encourage me. Together, we support one another in our journeys.”
Explanation: Healing and growth are often enhanced by the support of others. Engage with a community or support group that can offer encouragement, understanding, and accountability.
**4. Focus on Daily Gratitude
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Affirmation: “I cultivate gratitude each day, recognizing the blessings in my life and trusting that God’s goodness surrounds me.”
Explanation: Focusing on gratitude shifts your perspective from what’s lacking to what you have. Daily gratitude practices can uplift your spirit and help you see progress and blessings in your healing journey.
**5. Pray and Meditate on God’s Promises
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Affirmation: “I meditate on God’s promises and trust that His plans for me are filled with hope and a future. I find peace in His assurances.”
Explanation: Prayer and meditation help you align your heart with God’s promises. Spending time in prayer and reflecting on His Word strengthens your faith and provides reassurance that you are on the right path.
Assurance of Peace
Remember, healing and growth are journeys, not races. It’s perfectly okay to move at your own pace. God’s grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9), and His peace surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Trust that as you embrace these steps with grace, you will find your way to a place of profound peace and fulfillment.
Reflective Question:
How do you plan to integrate these steps into your daily routine to support your healing and growth journey?
Answer: Integrating these steps involves creating daily practices that reflect each step—whether through setting aside time for prayer and meditation, engaging in self-compassion, practicing gratitude, seeking community, or simply embracing the process. Regularly revisiting these practices will help reinforce your progress and keep you grounded in God’s grace.
Social Media Posts (Please share onto your social media sites this article message and link) Thank you for your support!
Thread Post:
Finding Peace in the Presence of God 🙏✨ In October 2008, I faced a traumatic life event that shook me to my core. Finding peace amidst the chaos was challenging, but through prayer, God’s Word, and supportive friends, I discovered a path to healing. Scriptures like Isaiah 41:10 helped me replace fear with God’s promise of protection. Embracing self-care, writing, and staying connected were vital in my journey. Remember, peace is possible. Trust in God’s plan. 💪🌟 #Peace #Faith #StressManagement #Healing #GodsLove
Facebook Post:
How to Find Peace in the Presence of God 🌿💖 Stress can be overwhelming, but with God’s help, we can find peace. After a traumatic event in October 2008, I struggled to overcome fear. By immersing myself in scripture (Isaiah 41:10) and surrounding myself with support, I began to heal. Embracing self-care, like writing and connecting with loved ones, helped me reclaim my peace. Remember, each day is a new beginning with God’s grace. Let’s support one another on this journey. 🙏✨ #FaithJourney #StressRelief #GodsPeace #SelfCare
Instagram Post:
Finding Peace with God ✨💪 In October 2008, a traumatic event left me seeking peace. Through God’s Word, uplifting music, and self-care, I found my way back to a place of serenity. Isaiah 41:10 reminded me that I am not alone. Embrace each new day as a chance for renewal and healing. Stay connected, trust in God, and remember that peace is within reach. 💖🌟 #FaithOverFear #Peace #GodsGrace #HealingJourney #SelfLove
Instagram/Facebook Post:
Overwhelmed by stress? 🌻🕊️ God offers peace and rest! Matthew 11:28 invites us to come to Him with our burdens and find relief. 🙏 Embrace His promise of rest and experience a renewed sense of calm. 💛 #StressRelief #GodsPeace #RestInHim #Matthew1128
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace and rest You have provided. As I navigate my daily stressors, help me to remember to come to You for refuge and comfort. Keep Your peace in my heart and guide me in finding balance and calm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflections 🌸
Key Concepts and Definitions 📘
1. Crisis: A critical or decisive point where important changes occur. In the N.O.W. process, it represents the acknowledgment of pain and challenges.
2. Pivot: A significant change in direction. It involves making pivotal decisions to move forward in life.
3. Rebirth: A period of renewal and transformation. It signifies positive changes and growth.
4. Next Level Living: Living a life filled with purpose and joy. It represents moving from survival to abundant living.
5. New-Beginnings is Our Witness (N.O.W.): A process that guides us from a place of pain to a place of hope and joy. It stands for Crisis, Pivot, Rebirth, and Next Level Living.
Offer for Salvation ✝️
If you feel lost, hopeless, or overwhelmed, know that Jesus Christ offers salvation and freedom. The Bible says in John 8:36 (MSG), “So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” Jesus loves you and wants to give you a new beginning. If you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please pray this prayer:
Salvation Prayer:
“Dear Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of your grace. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I ask you to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Help me to live a life that honors you. Thank you for your love, mercy, and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Congratulations on making this life-changing decision! Here are some next steps to help you grow in your new faith:
Read the Bible: Start with the Gospel of John to learn more about Jesus.
Pray Regularly: Talk to God daily, sharing your heart and seeking His guidance.
Join a Church: Find a local church community where you can grow and connect with other believers.
Share Your Faith: Tell others about your decision and how Jesus has changed your life.
Next Steps After Accepting Jesus: 📖
Read the Bible: Begin by reading the Scriptures to understand more about God’s promises and guidance. Start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to learn about Jesus’ life and teachings.
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Pray Regularly: Develop a habit of talking to God through prayer. Share your thoughts, needs, and gratitude with Him. Prayer is a way to build a strong relationship with God.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Join a Community: Connect with other believers through a local church or Christian fellowship group. Being part of a community provides support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow in your faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Share Your Faith: Let others know about the decision you’ve made. Sharing your journey can inspire and encourage others on their path to faith.
Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
As you take these steps, remember that your journey with Jesus is a lifelong adventure. Embrace each moment with faith and trust in His guidance. If you need support or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help and walk alongside you in this new chapter of your life.
🌟 Please DO Share this: Message, Bookmark the site, Comment on the POST, Like the information, and subscribe to continue to get updates. Thank you for stopping by as I am a work in progress walking out / typing out my purpose along my life’s journey. Selah and Shalom ~ Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 🌟
Let’s start living our best life N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is OUR Witness!TRUST God to help you navigate through your life’s journey into a vitalized and healthy destination!
Continue to stay tuned for more on the meaning of LIFE as we explore Biblical Truths one word at a time, one scripture at a time, one moment in time, …let’s eat that daily bread! Selah, Shalom, Amen Indeed Miriam a.k.a. Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 (TIME for a next-level New-Beginning)! We would be honored if you do Subscribe, Bookmark, Save, Share, Comment, Like, and Enjoy how N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness can be yours today through one daily Myrrhism Word/Message at a time.
Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way.”
P.S. Remember, to help us navigate through this life and enjoy a new life that one being eternal with God our Father; we have to make a decision N.O.W. = New Beginnings is our Witness. Above provides a prayer that you can ask the Lord to become your Redeemer, Healer, Savior, your everything to help you on your personal life’s journey – even though it may be bitter sometimes with God He always sweetens your steps. Love you always! Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8.
John 10:10 The Message Version
6-10 Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep rustlers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
Please DO Share this: Message, Bookmark the site, Comment on the POST, Like the information, and Subscribe to continue to get updates. Thank you for stopping by as I am a work in progress walking out / typing out my purpose along my life’s journey. Selah and Shalom ~ Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8
Contact Me 📞
I would love to connect with you and support you on your journey to healing and renewal. You can reach me through the following platforms: So, how do we stay connected you ask?
Contact me today 📞 to start your path to transformation. I offer empathetic and compassionate advocacy to help you reclaim your voice and move beyond shame and despair. Together, we can turn your trials into triumphs and your pain into purpose.
In this moment of uncertainty and need, I come before You with a heart full of trust and dependence. Your Word assures me that You are my Provider, my Protector, and my Guide. I declare Your promises over my life:
Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 91: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Lord, I surrender my worries, fears, and uncertainties to You. You are my way-maker, and I trust that You will create a way where there seems to be no way. Help me to lean on Your promises, to walk in faith, and to experience Your provision in every area of my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, let’s move from trauma to triumph and live out the fullness of God’s promises. Reach out today to start your path to healing and transformation.
With love and hope,
Miriam Smith Stevens
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Miriam S. Stevens aka "The Brand Paramedic", is an online social multimedia network strategist. She works with entrepreneurs, special interest groups, and non-profits to develop a social media campaign, marketing strategy, and customer engagement blueprint. She offers this three-prong approach to successfully connect business brands with their clientele. As the creator of MsStevensPR.Com, Miriam encourages productive, one-to-one focus meetings to pinpoint a company’s vision, research their targeted audience, and develop the right implementation plan.
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