Rely on Jehovah When Under Stress - HOW JEHOVAH WILL HELP US

Are you dealing with a stressful situation?  How comforting it is for us to know that Jehovah understood Elijah's feelings!  It reassures us that he also understands our emotional struggles.  He knows our limitations, and he even knows what we are  thinking and feeling. (Psalm 103:14; 139:3, 4)  If we imitate Elijah by relying on Jehovah, he will help us deal with problems that cause us stress. - PSALM 55:22.

Stress can cause you to think negatively, making you feel discouraged. If that happens, remember that Jehovah will help you deal with stress. How will he help you?  He invites you to share you concerns with him. And he will answer your cries for help.  (Psalm 5:3; 1 Peter 5:7)  So pray to Jehovah often about your problems.  He will not speak directly to you as he did to Elijah, but he will speak to you through his Word, the Bible, and through his organization.  The accounts you read in the Bible can comfort you and give you hope. Also your brothers and sisters can encourage you. - ROMANS 15:4; HEBREWS 10:24, 25.

When Jehovah told Elijah to delegate responsibility to Elisha, He provided Elijah with a much-needed companion, who no doubt helped him bear his emotional burdens. Likewise, when we confide in a trusted friend,he or she can help us carry our emotional burdens.  (1 Kings 2:2; Proverbs 1 7:17)  If you feel  that you do not have anyone to confide in, pray to Jehovah to help you find a mature, Christian who can provide you with emotional support.

 Jehovah helped Elijah to cope with stress and to serve faithfully for many years. Elijah's experience gives us hope.  We may go through periods of severe stress that can drain us physically and emotionally. Yet, if we rely on Jehovah, he will give us the power we need to keep serving him. - Read ISAIAH 40:28, 29. 

Next time: Rely on Jehovah When Under Stress - HANNAH, DAVID, AND "ASAPH" RELIED ON JEHOVAH

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