Overcoming Tension

Philippians 4:6-7 - New International Version

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

      The definition of the word tension means to have emotional strain that makes natural relaxed behavior impossible. According to this definition we all have experienced these moments where our entire system (mind, body, and spirit) have brought on unacceptable actions toward others. We can blame it on stress, challenging situations, or simply the other person. However, let’s face it we have to learn to be more self-controlled in the way we approach difficult situations or people.

      The need for a restful and calm spirit is essential toward your overall health and behavior.  This is really important because many of our difficulties begin within our innermost beings. We must understand that if we deprive our human spirits from fellowship with God this will cause a compromise to our entire systems.  One way to counter this is to make time to treat ourselves well by praying, reading our bibles; and reinforcing positive thoughts in our minds.  These kinds of investments really make a tremendous difference in the way we carry ourselves toward others and in various situations.

      We when allow tension to control our behaviors and responses it is an indication that we don’t have a calm and peaceful position to live from.  If you are a person that caters more to your external way of living and make no time for reflection, quiet moments, and devotion with the Lord, how can you possibly avoid burnout and emotional strain?  Your spirit is the true life and storehouse for your entire physical life on earth. If there is little to no time made for investing into your spirit than you will rely on your external way of life for peace. 

      When God created you in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-28; and Gen. 2:7) he gave you his ideal plan for living. He created you with the capacity to live from your spirit which is the core of your existence. All other properties such as your mind, emotions, and physical senses are to be under the direct influence of your spirit. However, in Genesis chapter 3 (the entire chapter) it showed a reliance on the physical life and an overriding of the spiritual one.

      You don’t have to allow tension to rule your life. You can start making daily investments in small increments by applying some of the practices mention previously.  Try saying to yourself, “Investing into my inner being each day is a must for me!” Remember, the condition of your core will be the condition of your being. If your core is disrupted or neglected it will show in how you talk to people; handle situations; or be reflected in your decision making. People who don’t make time for themselves spiritually cannot be calm, temperate, and sensitive in any situation. They will be known as fearful, anxious, uptight, aggressive, and moody individuals. 

     No one is exempt from tension and it can happen to the best of us. It can take you out of character and cause some very damaging behaviors to enter your life. Our personal tensions can cause rips in our relationships; hindrances to our careers; and even illnesses to our bodies. 

     Every human being has a spirit which is the core of their existence. They may not recognize or choose to ignore this reality; however the truth remains that each of us has been made in God’s image. He designed our physical lives to emerge and be contingent upon the quality of our spirits.

Proverbs 17:22

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”