Whether it's keeping up with the Joneses or trying to make ends meet with the high level of inflation we have today, the stress of not having enough isn't getting any better. It's no secret that stress can be bad for our physical and mental health. How do we avoid that? 

When things are a struggle it is important to have a grateful attitude. The natural human response is to get stressed and think about how bad things look. However, stress only makes things worse. It only causes problems while not helping with anything. It's no wonder that the Bible tells us...

"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

Philippians 4:8

Another thing the Bible tells us is not to fear. The phrases "do not fear" and "fear not" are in the Scriptures over 60 times. Since the Bible tells us not to fear so many times, it must be important. And stress is a form of fear so we may want to consider removing it from our lives as much as possible.

We don't always know why the Bible tells us something. But I'm sure that, at least in part, the reason for us to not fear and to think on good things is for our own benefit.  Sometimes it may be difficult to pull ourselves out of a negative state. Some emotions, like depression, seem to have a life of their own and don't want to leave. However, if we force ourselves to make an effort we will be much happier and healthier.

Another thing I've personally observed is referred to in Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life." The easiest way to avoid "hope deferred" is to be grateful for what you have right where you are. After listening to some teachings recently, I have also concluded that having a grateful attitude will help bring about the things you want.  When we stop focusing on what we don't have and are content with what we do, we will be in a positive mental state which helps us to be more creative and we will be more aware when opportunities come our way.

If this seems overwhelming, just take it one step at a time. Each positive step makes it easier the next time. When you fall, Don't beat yourself up. Just try again. The habits we have learned have been formed from the beginning of our lives and will take effort to change. You're worth that effort.

I'm not saying we'll notice a lot of change overnight. We have developed our thought patterns over many years, so it may take time to change things. As I was thinking about this I remembered a line in the movie Galaxy Quest... "Never give up. Never surrender".  I think that is great advice. This is a battle with your mind and body. Don't let the negative thought habits win. You will be much happier if you continue to focus on good things and have a grateful heart.

Today's circumstances are a result of our thoughts and actions from the past.  In order to change the future, we need to change our thoughts and actions today.  I also found an interesting article, "Scientists Explain How Gratitude Changes Your Brain to Be Happier".  I recommend reading it.  The summation of the article says, 

"... gratitude offers many benefits to the mind and body. Not only does it help one focus on more positive feelings. It also helps us avoid the pitfalls of rumination over the past. Additionally, it also physically changes the brain. People who show more gratitude have higher neural sensitivity in the area of the brain associated with learning and decision making. Over time, practicing gratitude becomes more habitual than forced, and it can help you feel more warmth and love toward others."

"So, if you’re feeling down about life or your circumstances, simply make a gratitude list. Or, write a letter to someone impacts your life significantly.[sic] We guarantee you’ll start to feel better in no time!"

Our thoughts change our brain.  So change your brain for the better and watch for the unexpected. A couple people who I have heard talk about this are Dr. Caroline Leaf and Dr. Joe Dispenza. 

Thank you for reading and have a blessed day.

(Unless otherwise noted, the images are public domain from pixabay.com.)

All scripture quotations taken from the NASB95©.
Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.

If you would like to purchase a journal to record your gratitude, feel free check out the journal below or others on the zazzle.com site...