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Stress stats from the AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STRESS:

44% of Americans feel more stressed than they did 5 years ago

1 in 5 Americans experience EXTREME stress (hands shaking, heart palpitations, depression)

60% of all disease and illness is caused by stress.

3 out of 4 doctors visits are for stress related ailments.

Stress increases the risk of heart attack by 25% and of stroke by 50%.

Stress related ailments cost the nation $300 Billion a year in medical bills and lost productivity

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.\\xa0In this world you will have trouble.\\xa0But take heart! I have overcome\\xa0the world. John 16:33 (NIV)

God never promised to TAKE AWAY what troubles you, but to give you PEACE IN THE MIDST of what troubles you.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Selah) Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

Where will my soul find rest?

This is what the\\xa0Lord\\xa0says: \\u201cStand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way\\xa0is, and walk in it\\u2026 Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

\\xa0\\u2026and you will find rest\\xa0for your souls\\u2026 Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

1. Establish PRIORITY

But seek first his kingdom\\xa0and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered\\u2014\\xa0how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT)

You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.\\xa0Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT)

Honor the\\xa0Lord\\xa0with your wealth,\\xa0with the first fruits\\xa0of all your crops; then your barns will be filled\\xa0to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)

2. Live a life you are PASSIONATE about.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,\\xa0and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

\\u201cWorking hard for something we don\\u2019t care about is called STRESS. Working hard for something you love is called PASSION.\\u201d \\u2013 Simon Sinek

3. POUR OUT your life.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,\\xa0and the time for my departure is near.\\xa0I have fought the good fight,\\xa0I have finished the race,\\xa0I have kept the faith.\\xa02 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)

Now there is in store for me\\xa0the crown of righteousness,\\xa0which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day\\u2014and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)

4. Keep an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.

Therefore we do not lose heart.\\xa0Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly\\xa0we are being renewed\\xa0day by day.\\xa0For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.\\xa02 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,\\xa0since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)