When life feels overwhelming, and time is of the essence, you need a short prayer about stress.

Recently, I was debilitated on Saturday night with a migraine headache.  I don’t have one thing to point out to say what brought it on; but is there ever just one thing that stresses you out? 

We’d been getting up super early; I’d taken on an extra contracting job. Then there’s t-ball practice and games, afterwards there are clients I have to meet with, and the actual work and follow up late at night after my children have gone to bed. 

I was so stressed and busy and in “get things done” mode that I couldn’t stop to breathe, pray, rest.  As a matter of fact, I was definitely white-knuckling it. In fact, I don’t even know what the “breaking point” was for me, but whatever it was, something caved and my body couldn’t do it anymore. 

A Short Prayer for Stress

Nevertheless, ever faithful, the Lord met me while I slept.  In contrast, I woke up Sunday without a headache, and with this song going through my head:

God, I look to You
I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me the vision to see things like You do
God, I look to You
You’re where my help comes from
Give me wisdom, You know just what to do 

And I will love You, Lord, my strength
And I will love you, Lord, my shield
And I will love You, Lord, my rock
Forever all my days I will love you, God
Hallelujah our God reigns

Bethel

Sometimes prayers can look like songs to God. And short prayers with melodies are much easier to remember.

Scriptures to Combat Stress

Psalm 46: 1-3,10 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains are moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling…”Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

Revelation 19:6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.

God is Faithful Even When We are Not

God is so faithful.  Even when we are not. 

Even when we try to do it on our own and forget to wait and rest and lean in.  Sometimes, I feel like this is a lesson I have to learn and re-learn, and re-learn.  And then re-learn again. 

He takes our burdens. He changes our vision. His thoughts are higher, His wisdom a light to bring us through.

He is who He is, and our love is all we can give in return for His power in us and through us.  Our love is all we can give; and yet is all that He wants.  He doesn’t demand more, He doesn’t want anything else.  

Lastly, He reigns.  Through all the stress, the failure, the brokenness, and dirt.  He reigns.  He has higher ways. 

Undoubtedly, His goodness makes everything new, makes good out of our daily brokenness. After all, God isn’t looking for a long, religious liturgical prayer every time you allow the stress of life to attack your mind.

Lastly, He is hoping you will reach out to Him for help. Let this song be a life raft this week. A simple prayer and a reminder to your soul that you are not alone.

Hallelujah our God reigns!