Stress Relief

A gentle touch or back rub can bring amazing relief. When my muscles are tight then my mind and life feel tight. The world seems less stressful when my body feels more relaxed.

We each carry burdens in life that bring unique stresses that affect everything else in our lives. A hard day at the office, a nagging illness, an argument with my spouse, a bad mood, the demands of children, etc.

Where is my stress relief?!

In a real sense a first place of stress relief should be in our marriages. It should be a place where I can be stroked physically and emotionally. A place for someone to not only bear the burdens of life with me but to help me rest in the midst of them. To know my husband or wife wants to not only hear my cares but to identity with them can bring a unique stress relief to my soul.

That looks alot like the gospel. Isn't that why Jesus came? He has come to bring rest in the midst of this sinful and stressful world. The most critical stress relief he brought was to remove the guilt of our sin. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."He has not only identified with that stress but he has literally taken on the responsibility of that stress.

NO CONDEMNATION.

As professing Christians in marriage our primary task is to remind each other of the rest we have in Jesus. Not only to remind but to reflect that love. I want to love as I have been loved, to care as I have been cared for. Even the best husband or wife can only sooth my stress to a limited degree. I need Jesus.

I want to be lovingly pushed to Jesus. I want to run to the one who alone can bring the stress relief to my soul in the midst of this sinful world. I want to respond to his ever present invitation, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28,29

Today, as that husband or wife bring stress relief to your spouse. It can be that back rub or listening ear but whatever, bring Jesus to them. May God make your home a true oasis for rest and relief as you rest in him.