Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure. It can lead to chronic and deadly problem, and some treatments bring negative symptoms. The causes are related to a genetic predisposition to tension, particularly among parents and children. Age causes the condition to worsen, for those over 60, they are 74% more likely to have high blood pressure. Blacks in America are also more disposed to it and with more severe symptoms. Lifestyle factors are a contributing factor such as: an unhealthy diet, high in salt and low in potassium; Daily consumption of alcohol; Taking illegal drugs; Lack of regular physical activity; Lack of enough good-quality sleep, and experiencing high-stress situations. Other medical conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and other more rare conditions can increase tension. Sudden rises in blood pressure can be caused by acute pain, high caffeine drinks, smoking tobacco and anxiety. 

After reading these causes, you may need to pause, take several slow deep breathes, and consciously relax your muscles, starting with those you can easily feel are tensed, then gradually recognizing tension and releasing it in less noticeable areas, like your feet, face, neck, everywhere a tightness exists. Lay down if possible – relax thoroughly. You may not be good at this, if you never did it, but you can become better with practice.

Some causes can be avoided altogether, others are less controllable. I think stress is the overriding issue in these collective patterns and behaviors. There is no quick easy fix, no wonder-drug that eliminates all further risks. Our lifestyles are full of choices. The best choice you can make is to carry your cares, heaviness, burdens, and tension to Yeshua, laying them at His feet in submission, asking for His rest and peace. 

Believe the Word of God. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

…Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:25-37, 34) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) There is much more scripture that can set us free from stress, in the Almighty name of Yeshua. Seek Him.