Stressed Out
The American Psychological Association released findings from its "Stress in America" survey on the second anniversary of the pandemic, just a few days ago. Americans are stressed about many things, including the economy, the war in Ukraine, and the pandemic itself. “The number of people who say they’re significantly stressed about these most recent events is stunning relative to what we’ve seen since we began the survey in 2007,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., APA’s chief executive officer. “Americans have been doing their best to persevere over these past two tumultuous years, but these data suggest that we’re now reaching unprecedented levels of stress that will challenge our ability to cope.”
Frankly, reading the report is a stressor in itself, but it's important to recognize the unique moment we live in and how our families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors are experiencing these challenging times. We are at the end of our collective rope and now, more than ever, we need Jesus to pour out his love and healing.
Several months ago, Jessica Achugbue wrote an important reflection on God and our mental health. "Our Healer has provided us with a variety of tools that we can use to partner with Him in caring for our individual and collective mental health, including quality time with Him, therapy, medication, rest, coping skills, support systems, and more. Like the folks whose stories of healing are documented in the Bible, our own healing journeys are often medleys of resources orchestrated by God’s loving hand."
Let's take a moment to remember that the Lord God Almighty is on the throne and the chaos of the world is like a glassy sea before him. (Revelation 4:2) He is our fortress. He is mighty to save. And if you take a moment to listen, he is singing over us. May we have eyes to see how is at work in our midst.
Frankly, reading the report is a stressor in itself, but it's important to recognize the unique moment we live in and how our families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors are experiencing these challenging times. We are at the end of our collective rope and now, more than ever, we need Jesus to pour out his love and healing.
Several months ago, Jessica Achugbue wrote an important reflection on God and our mental health. "Our Healer has provided us with a variety of tools that we can use to partner with Him in caring for our individual and collective mental health, including quality time with Him, therapy, medication, rest, coping skills, support systems, and more. Like the folks whose stories of healing are documented in the Bible, our own healing journeys are often medleys of resources orchestrated by God’s loving hand."
Let's take a moment to remember that the Lord God Almighty is on the throne and the chaos of the world is like a glassy sea before him. (Revelation 4:2) He is our fortress. He is mighty to save. And if you take a moment to listen, he is singing over us. May we have eyes to see how is at work in our midst.