One of the hardest battles to win is the one we fight within ourselves. We always look for an outside force to blame. Blaming others or other things for things in our lives we don’t like is easy, but it is not accurate. We often think we are stressed because we are overwhelmed on the job, or by relationships that are straining us, or by health issues we are battling with. Stress is not an outside issue, stress comes from within. Stress takes place between our ears. You can win or lose the battle against stress in your brain. Learn to control what you allow your mind to dwell on and you can win the battle with stress. (Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.) Your mind can not be a freeway that you allow everything to drive right into. You must control what you allow to dwell on your mind. The characteristics Paul describes in this verse describes only one person, Jesus. Social media, tv, movies, books, radio, or other outlets do nothing but pollute your mind with horror and fear. God relieves all your fears and gives you peace of mind. When you win the battle with your mind, you will win the battle with your stress level. You can do this, try it now! Pastor Don [image: image.png]