I know these are difficult times and many people are anxious or worried. So I thought it might be helpful to say a few words about stress. The Bible has a number of encouraging words for us regarding stress. To summarize the passage above, Paul tells us - Don't worry, be (spiritually) happy. What does he mean exactly? I think he means the following:

Ø  Be Joyful - "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!" You may have to make a willful decision to sing and be happy in the Lord. That's ok, just DO IT. Here is a little secret. Whether you are feeling depressed, anxious, or bothered, you can always exercise your ability to rejoice. If your present situation is too ugly, try encouraging yourself by recounting all the good things He has done for you in the past.

 Ø  Be Patient - "Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit)." When your rights have been yielded to the Lord, you are less apt to become irritated when things do not go your own way. This is good evidence that your character is changing. Just as important, you become a great example to others of how the Lord delivers people from every problem.

 Ø  Be Trustful - "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything." Like the old hymn says, "Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh what needless pains we bear! All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." These are true words! Stressful situations provide you with great moments to put your faith into action, and make God's Word come to life. Here is a promise for you: "He keeps those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him because they trust in Him." (Is 26:3).

 Ø  Be Prayerful- "In every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Prayer programs our thinking, attitudes, spirit, and actions to call on the Lord for everything. That's good, because the Bible clearly states that He wants to help you out in every life situation. The great news is - you serve a living God (real, tangible, involved). 

 Ø  Inventory the Good Things - "Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things." So maybe that doesn't include homework. Still, in the midst of it all it is wise to consider the bigger picture, and inventory those benefits and resources you do have at your disposal.

 Ø  Apply Scripture - "Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me and model your way of living of it and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you." When you apply the principles of scripture to stressful situations, you quickly find your perspective of the situation changing and becoming more Christ like. That is the best stress reducer available!