I would like to start a section called Ask a Chaplain in which I try to answer some questions that some individuals have. There is wisdom in asking the right question and if you have a question, chances are someone else has it as well.
This summer I worked with ROTC students in the midst of a stressful experience. I tried to take time at night to stop by the dorms and stayed in the dayroom in case anyone had any quick needs. A couple individuals came to me at one point and asked me basically the following questions: “What does God think of us when we are stressed? What can we do when we are stressed out?”
Answer:First off God loves us at all times no matter what we are going through. Coming at it from a Christian perspective there are many verses that would back this thought up but one verse I really like to lean on in times like this is Romans 8: 38-39 For I am convinced that neither death , nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Quite simply put God is our Father and is with us no matter what the circumstance of what we are going through.
So then the second question is a bit more tricky then the first. When we are in the midst of a stressful situation, it can be difficult to employ tactics that will create a sense of normalcy if one hasn’t been investing in the different component of our being. For example, one can use meditation of a favorite Scripture during a stressful time but if one hasn’t ever thought about Scripture before then they might not have one to meditate on. That is not to say that the Holy Spirit might bring something back to remembrance but it is a partnership of journeying with God.
So if possible it would be wise to invest in good things knowing that we all go through times of stress. For our physical component, it would be good to have a regular exercise habits with a good diet. For our social component, it would be good to have positive friends to encourage you and to listen. For our spiritual component, it would be good to have Scriptures or positive sayings that you have as favorites. And finally for our mental component, it would be good to read things that challenge us to keep our brain active. In investing in these different areas of our lives we will have better coping mechanisms in times of stress.
However if we are in times of stress, there are some things that we can do even if we haven’t prepared beforehand. We can use breathing techniques to calm down, call a friend or family member who may encourage us, remember the big picture of what our purposes are, or meditate on Scripture or something positive. If you experience prolonged periods of stress, you may want to contact a counselor, pastor, or chaplain as there may be something else going on.
Remember, no matter what we are going through God promises to walk with us and gives resources to help us in that journey.
Peace ,
Jeremiah
Do you have a question to ask a chaplain? Feel free to email us at jeremiah.blackburn@gmail.com
Fulfilled Life would love to journey with you as you live your life. We offer spiritual direction and chaplain services and can join you no matter what season you are in. The initial consultation and assessment is always free so feel free to contact us or refer a friend.
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Jeremiah is a chaplain and spiritual director at Fulfilled Life. Jeremiah has focused his life on encouraging others to live life as God intended. He has experience of working across denominational lines to help others connect with God, others, and themselves. He is a professional chaplain that seeks to refine his craft while offering quality spiritual care to others. He is a compassionate caregiver that is very efficient in providing spiritual support. Jeremiah has a wide range of experiences and training that allows me to meet individuals where they are at in their lives.