ManageYourEmotionsBook8.5x5.5_RevJULY.indd

part for the children of Israel and then later to engulf the Egyptian army, submerging them in death (see Exodus 14). Direction. Given the fact that so much of our stress is trig- gered by decisions regarding the future, it’s reassuring to know God yearns to help navigate our path.That was certainly the case with David, who writes, “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). This is one of the key factors that led to David’s success as a king. In fact, the Bible records nine distinct occasions in which he inquired of the Lord.This happened the first two times when David asked the Lord if his army should fight against the Philistines. Even though his men were afraid, God said yes and ultimately led the Israelites to victory (1 Samuel 23:1-5).The other examples include 1 Samuel 23:10-11, 12-14, 1 Samuel 30:8-9, 2 Samuel 2:1-2, 2 Samuel 5:17-21, 22-25, and 2 Samuel 21:1. Restoration. Despite his difficulties, David was able to testify, “He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3).The Hebrew word for restore is much stronger than the English translation would indicate. It means “to turn back or to return” and is the same word David uses later when he pleads to God, “Restore to me the joy ofYour salvation” (Psalm 51:12). God stands ready to do his part to answer such a prayer, yet we must do our part as well, which certainly involves solitude. David could not have dealt with the stress in his life were it not for those times when he could escape the turmoil and get alone. Even though he sought solitude at times to escape harm’s way, it neverthe- less provided opportunity for spiritual renewal.As noted in chapter three, Jesus often withdrew from people in order to spend time with the Father.We must as well. Rest is vital in the battling stress as well.We live in a sleep de- prived society, which only compounds the problem. Maybe the best thing you could do, right now, is put this book down and take a nap – or go to bed early tonight. I’ve heard that an hour of sleep before

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