Tracie Miles - Stressed-Less Living: Finding Gods Peace in Your Chaotic World

Finding Gods Peace in Your Chaotic World

I wish Id had this book the day I walked into the counselors office. I kept asking myself, Why am I here? I had recently completed my masters degree in counseling and been accepted into the doctoral program. Shouldnt I be able to handle the stress-induced panic attacks that paralyzed me and filled me with shame? I wondered what my future would look like. Was I doomed to be dependent on a counselor to manage my stress?

I spent the better part of two years in counseling, dealing with baggage and pain from my past. Heart palpitations, night sweats, teeth grinding, stomach pain, headaches, and depression ruled my days. I was stressed. Facing my past seemed terrifying, my present was uncertain at best, and my future appeared dim. Stress was strangling me and threatened to never let go.

Although Id studied stress reduction techniques in school, I had not learned to apply them to myself. The demands of life set the bar high and I set the bar even higher. I beat myself up for struggling under the weight of it all. It was not until I completely offered my heart and mind to the Lord, like Tracie helps us do, that healing began to wash over me.

Do you struggle with stress too? Have you tried countless remedies only to end up defeated and overwhelmed? Speaking from a personal and a professional viewpoint, stress can be dangerous. Prolonged stress can lead to high blood pressure, asthma, skin conditions, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and more! In fact, many long-term mental health concerns can be traced back to chronic and unaddressed stress reactions. As a counselor, I work with individuals to help them develop healthy coping skills and stress reactions. We also work to address the issues that lie underneath stress, such as pain from the past, present circumstances, time management concerns, and environmental factors. However, the most important thing we can do while attending to the stress in our lives is to take it to the Lord.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV) tells us, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Anxious thoughts and tendencies can steal our joy. The Lord, however, came that we might have abundant life. His plan for us includes peace and rest in his presence. Even if all the deep breathing techniques in the world continue to leave us feeling breathless, we can turn to the Lord.

Thats why Im so excited about this book! Tracie shares Gods transforming truths with you from a vantage point of having lived each and every word she shares. Shes felt bound by stress and life circumstances and understands what stress can do to our bodies. Best of all, she has found freedom in Christ. If you have lived the last few days, months, or even years bound by stressthis book is for you. You will see yourself in the stories Tracie shares, find hope in the Word of God, and be challenged towards growth by the questions at the end of each chapter.

The day my confidence walked out on me, God stayed by my side and did not leave me there alone. He wants to do the same for you, too! If you feel wrecked by stress and circumstances, its time to move forward and embrace Stressed-Less Living in Christ.

Stephanie Clayton has a passion for integrating Bible teaching with professional counseling. She has a masters degree in counseling and a bachelors degree in psychology. She serves on the Online Bible Studies team and Gather and Grow team with Proverbs 31 Ministries and writes at www.stephanieclayton.org.