It is common knowledge that all of us are experiencing stress more than ever before. Because the media is so widespread reporting weather hazards and war and details of the presidential election, we are aware of much more than we used to be. There is so much more of a burden on every one of us. Life has become so complicated that stress is the new norm. As believers in Christ, we must turn to the Bible for how to handle modern stress in our lives.
As we turn to God’s Word, we can discover that this kind of stress is not what he intended for us. Mankind, not God, has created so many sources of stress. Since we have made our own source of stress, we can also unmake those sources. Look to see how you think and what you do that can be reversed so that your life is better.
For instance, if you cram your personal calendar with too many obligations, by learning to say no you can help yourself with the stress that comes from that direction. Because we do this to ourselves, is very easy for us to rationalize excuses that we don’t read the Bible and pray regularly. It is a matter of priority. By being unrealistic and telling ourselves that we are obligated or that it’s our responsibility about other people’s problems, we have unnecessary stress added to each day.
It can be possible that stress is so overwhelming we feel there is no means to reduce its source. That is the time that we must give it to Christ. If you are in a troubled relationship, if you feel that you are trapped in that relationship legitimately, run to Jesus for his support and guidance. The very message you might be sending yourself that you are trapped is a secondary source of stress.
It is very possible that the Bible itself will provide guidance to counteract stress. It says to not be unequivocally yoked with unbelievers. That is not just for dating or marriage. It could mean those people you call friends are the ones to whom you are yoked. It could take an amount of courage to break free from un-biblical relationships. Only you are the one that has the authority and power to do that, though.
Sometimes we place ourselves in a stressful situation by toying with temptation. The Bible makes it very clear that we are to resist temptation. We are not even to give it a second thought. However, temptation could be about a favorite sin you have. It could especially involve a favorite person that you have. It could be that your great stress is because you want to have that favorite sin available to you when you seek its entertainment.
If we ignore the influence of the Bible and the Holy Spirit when it comes to making decisions, it’s very possible that we can add stress from the debate. God has given us the means to live a victorious life. Unfortunately, it is possible for us to forget what personal victory is like. It would be wise to remind yourself of those days in the past in which you have known victory. However that occurred, repeat that pattern in your present day.
The Bible tells us to ask but not to ask amiss. When you pray, do it realistically. Ask for what is spiritually healthy for you. Ask for strength by seeing yourself already as a strong believer. Your spiritual life can be very powerful if you recognize what it is according to the Bible. When you asked for something, do so in the realm of what God would approve already. Look at your life through God’s eyes. He loves you. In turn, teach yourself how to love you. Ask yourself if you would put the same amount of responsibility and stress you are experiencing on a dear friend. What would you tell that friend how to discern what obligations are acceptable to you?
Sometimes we already know the answers to our problems, but we are hesitant, afraid, or otherwise resist helping ourselves. That may be the result of seeing ourselves responsible for everybody else while neglecting ourselves. It is not selfish to put yourself first. You must be in a healthier position spiritually and emotionally and physically before you can be there for someone else. To do these things, you must learn to be kind to you. Perhaps in the middle of a stressful situation it would be wise to remove yourself from that situation entirely. Take a hot bath. Sit on the patio and watch the birds.
The Bible reports several times in which Jesus removed himself from the stress of those flocking around him wanting healing or something else. I heard an old Baptist preacher say, “If you don’t take yourself apart, you will come apart.” Remember that stress is how you perceive the situation. It is not the actual situation. It is from the messages that you send to you. It is because you have a certain nature of your personality that obligates you toward other people’s problems. Then while trying to carry other people’s burdens, you have added many more rocks to carry on your back along with those that you already have in your own personal bag. Most of all, avoid telling yourself that all is helpless.
Christian Writer 