Perceived Resources and Challenges


This summer I read a fantastic book called The Upside of Stress: Why Stress is Good For You And How To Get Good At It.

It was a life-changing, fascinating read and I learned SO much I will probably read it again soon. 

One thing that made a lasting impact on me was the concept that stress could be defined as when a perceived challenge outweighs one's perceived resources. 

One: that makes stress largely about perception, not events. Interesting. 

Two: if we take Jesus Christ at His word, we definitely have the skills to learn to stress less. Jesus promises that He will be with us, He leaves us His Comforter and Spirit, and gave us multitudes of scriptural stories of followers learning to trust and lean on Him - and succeeding. "I am with you always", He says. 

Jesus Christ is our strength. He is our Resource. Our Reserve. What perceived challenge can outweigh us now?? What earthly power could be stronger than The Creator, Lord, and Savior of our world, not only the God of all but my God. The One I worship and love and lean on. The God I am getting to know intimately.

None. 

If we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, with all power, wisdom, knowledge, and goodness...and that He is with us and loves us and wants to help us, then our perceived resource can outweigh any perceived challenge. 

But it will take practice. And I think that's the point. 

Perhaps part of why faith is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to teach us to trust Him from the beginning. Believe Him. Believe His words. Trust Him when He says that He will help you and there is no need to fear!

"Fear not" is a frequent phrase in Jesus' teachings. He is trying to tell us, yet how many times in a day do I fear? Fear of the car breaking down. Fear that the food would go bad and will make me sick. Fear that the new illness I have will define me and take over my life. Fear that I won't be able to ever work in a meaningful capacity that supports my health and values. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of loneliness. Fear of anxiety. Fear of pain. 

Hello?!? FEAR NOT. He means it. 

Do you believe Him?

Can you allow your heart to trust Him?

"Please believe me when I say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear."

President Russell M. Nelson

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