Getting Rid of the "Clutches"

^”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV

What do you do for comfort when you face various problems and are feeling depressed?

Some people turn to food or drink, others to shopping, unsuitable relationships, drugs and various other activities that present fun and forgetfulness. They do this because they let their emotions of loneliness, sadness and sorrow take control. They often regret their actions when they overindulge and the satisfaction they receive is only for a moment. Escapist activities cause a lot of harm to one's health, relationships and finances. They are clutches we do not need.

There are better ways for handling stress.  One has to take control of the feelings in positive ways that offer solutions and lets one continue living a purposeful life. Exercise is good, as is fellowship and sharing with a trusted confidant or counselor. But one should not forget foremost to turn to the Lord; to pray, to sing praises, read the Word and trust Him to provide inner peace, joy, strength, guidance and comfort which transcend anything you can get from any worldly source.

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I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain.
John Henry Newman

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