Stress Relievers

Psalm 23:4 – For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NKJV)

Before settling down for the night, I often have a cup of hot chocolate. I call it my comfort food. As it is high in carbohydrates and sweet stuff that tastes so good, I often feel guilty about having this. Oops! I'm packing on a few pounds; I had better not get caught having this too often!

Some of this guilt was relieved tonight when I read on the Internet that hot cocoa (chocolate) is considered good for you, as it releases disease-fighting anti-oxidants. On top of that, it is supposed to be a great stress reliever. We are cautioned, however, not to let this become a habit, as we then cancel out the good benefits.

But, wait a minute! I know of an even greater stress reliever — a real soul food — the Comforter — the Holy Spirit. There is a big difference between the stress benefits of hot chocolate and the stress benefits of Jesus Christ. Our stress levels will go away down as we learn to rely on Him each day of our lives. With Jesus as our stress reliever, we don't have to feel guilty, and we don't have to keep it a secret — we can tell the whole world.

John 15:26-27 – I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and will tell you about me. Then you will also tell others about me, because you have been with me from the beginning. (CEV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, when we are looking for comfort and release from the stress of our daily grind, help us to remember that You are the greatest stress reliever of all. In our wilderness times, we just have to turn to You for sweet comfort. May we humbly share this good news with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.