Romans838

In what ways does stress pull us away from God? Recently, I spent 42 days in the hospital due to COVID-19 and viral pneumonia. This was a great source of stress, especially the first 4 weeks that were very dark. In retrospect, I see how the distress distracted me. I focused on myself, my weakness and suffering, rather than directing my focus toward the One who is able to sustain the weak through trials (Psalm 34:17-18). Now six weeks out of the hospital, I can see many verses in the OT and NT that speak of how God delivers those who cry out to Him. So, as I look back, I can see that as infrequent and disjointed my prayers were during the time of stress, God was present with me and His Spirit was, "interceding for me with groans to deep for words". I have been reminded to pray through the distraction brought on by stress and to depend upon God's grace to help me through trials. In what ways does stress draw us closer to God? Times of stress provide opportunities to call upon God, to depend upon Him. When I see my weakness and inability to improve my situation, to pull myself out of the ditch, I need to repent of my self sufficiency and to find all sufficiency in God alone. This surrendering my fears and needs to God brings me relationally closer to God where intimacy is increased. Have you given your stress points to God fully? When I pray I give Him what stresses me. Somehow, later on, even seconds later, I seem to have forgotten and begin trying to carry them in my own strength. What are you asking him to do about your stresses? I have asked for healing, restoration of health and abundant grace to carry me through trials. I also recognize that the type of physical healing I pray for may not be in God's plan, "God, if I could have my way, I would be immediately and completely healed but Father, not my will but Your will be done". And of course I ask for grace to enable me.