The Importance of Emotional Peace
Teachings are based on:
None of These Diseases by S.I. McMillen, M.D.
The Seven Pilllars of Health by Don Colbert, M.D.
Stress Less by Don Colbert, M.D.
This study will briefly cover the importance of right thinking, life-giving emotions (or peace) and having a positive outlook on life. The reverse of this would be negative thinking or “stinkin’ thinkin’” emotional turmoil and mental stress. I believe God has a recipe for our success in the mental and emotional realm and it is revealed in His Word.
Romans 12:9-21 Matthew chapters 5-7 Galatians 5:19-24
“No one can appreciate so fully as a doctor…the teachings of Christ.”
(P.64-65 None of These Diseases).
“Some day man may awake to the fact that the teachings of Christ are potent and powerful in preventing and curing disease. It is a well known fact that most diseases are affected or caused by mental and emotional stress. “Statistics reported in 1948 indicated that two thirds of the patients who went to a physician had symptoms caused or aggravated by mental stress.” (None of These Diseases p. 58) More modern statistics would probably show even more correlation.
“A long-term study at the University of London (in 1988)showed that chronic unmanaged mental stress was six times more predictive of cancer and heart disease than cigarette smoking, high cholesterol levels, and elevated blood pressure.” (The Seven Pillars of Health. P. 230)
Physiology of how mental and emotional stress affects our body and leads to disease:
Our emotional center is in the brain (affected by how we think, perceive situations, other people, God, ourselves). When we have turmoil in our emotions the brain sends out impulses to all parts of our body.
Principal mechanisms affecting changes in our body and eventually leading to pain or disease:
Change in the amount of blood flowing to an organ
Change in the amount of hormones secreted from certain glands (elevated cortisol)
Change in the tension of the muscles
“Anger, resentment, fear, anxiety, grief and depression create excessive stress, whereas positive emotions such as gratitude, joy, love and peace actually relieve stress.” (The Seven Pillars of Health p. 241)
Ways to stress less:
Enjoy the moment (Matt. 6:34).
Don’t worry about the past or the future.
Change your perspective. See things from God’s point of view. (Romans 12:2) “In the light of eternity…”
Laugh and choose to be happy. (Proven to prevent disease!!)
Forgive. (Choose to forgive even before you have the “feeling” of forgiveness for the person. Treat them as if you forgive them.)
Build margin (extra time) into your life and schedule.
Meditate and act on the Word of God.
Meditate on the good, positive and true. (Phil 4:8)
Set good boundaries. (Learn to say “no” sometimes.)
Trust God. (Isaiah 26:3)
Meditate on the Word of God (Bible) to increase your faith and trust in God.
Pray and confess the Word of God over the situation. Find a specific scripture that deals with your particular situation.
Tell yourself the truth basing your thoughts on what God's Word says about you and your situation. Meditate on that.
Speak kind words to yourself and don’t beat yourself up/condemn yourself.
In summary: God’s antidote for stress is to
practice Philippians 4:4-9.