The '200-Unit Limit'
"...IN QUIETNESS AND IN CONFIDENCE SHALL BE YOUR STRENGTH..." ISAIAH 30:15 

When the stock market plunged an investor asked his broker if he was worried. 'No, I sleep like a baby!' he replied. Amazed, the client said, 'Really, even with all these fluctuations?' The broker said, 'Yes, just like a baby! I sleep for an hour, then I wake up and cry all night!'

 

Our capacity for handling stress is limited. Researcher Dr Thomas Holmes concludes that experiencing 200+ 'life change units' in a year can put you over the edge.

 

For example, losing a spouse equals 100 units, divorce 60, illness 45, unemployment 45; even Christmas gets 12! Maybe you're reading this and you've already exceeded your '200-unit limit.' Emotionally and physically you're stretched to the breaking point and there's no relief in sight.

 

Be careful; living in an emotional danger zone makes you a target for the devil who has you in his sights! Under pressure you succumb to temptation much more easily than when you're rested. That's why preventing stress is always better than trying to deal with it when it's full blown.

 

Isaiah says: ' "...in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." ' And Paul adds: 'Don't worry...pray about everything...If you do...you will experience God's peace, which is...more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep...your hearts... as you trust in...Jesus' (Philippians 4:6-7 TLB).

 

Nobody understands your stress like Jesus. That's why He says, ' "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and...you will find rest for your souls" ' (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT). So stop pushing so hard. Give your concerns to God. Then allow yourself the same kind of consideration you'd give to a friend who's on overload.