“Come to Jesus and He will remove all your problems.” Have you ever heard that? Do you believe it? If it’s true, then either something is very wrong with Jesus or with us, because our troubles are not gone with salvation. That statement, unfortunately, is a lie. Yet we really wish it were true. We forget that Jesus promised us we’d have troubles in life. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
We live in a world that is filled with all sorts of pressures. Each of us can probably give recent examples from our own lives. In those tension-filled moments, we need healthy ways to find relief. Jesus warned His Disciples that they would have to deal with trials during their time on earth. And He went on to give the remedy that will bring both momentary relief and lasting peace.
Of course, handling anxiety isn’t something new today. It’s always been around. David faced Goliath, then lived in hiding for years while Saul tried to kill him. Daniel was fed to hungry lions. Queen Esther was under a sentence of death. Joseph was sold into slavery, then put in prison. Paul was whipped, shipwrecked and faced many kinds of persecution. And Jesus faced more stress than anyone ever. There will be pressure times in life. We can’t avoid them, but there are things we can do to make times of stress less, well, stressful.
- Read the Bible. God’s Word contains wisdom. It reminds us God is in control and helps us keep a godly perspective of what is happening in life. There is power and peace in God’s Word. Reading it is the best thing we can do. “Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight” (Psalm 119:143). Memorize and quote verses like these: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shake.” (Psalm 55:22). “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1-2). “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). “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
- Pray. When you read the Bible God speaks to you. When you pray you speak to God. Both are needed for communication to take place. Talking with others is good, but talking with God is much better. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
- Share with a friend. It’s healthy and helpful to put your thoughts and feelings into words. Receiving encouragement and support keeps you from feeling alone and overwhelmed. “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25). Talking to anyone and everyone about how you feel isn’t wise. Pick a few mature, godly people and share with them.
- Get outside. Spending time in nature is always refreshing and renewing. Blue and green are very relaxing colors. Nature makes God feel more alive and closer so we can take our burdens to Him. “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures … May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works…” (Psalm 104:24, 31).
- Help someone. That gets your eyes off yourself and onto someone else. You feel a good sense of accomplishment and are part of God’s bigger plan. You feel useful. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
- Journal. Writing always helps put your thoughts into words so you can gain insight and see your circumstances more objectively. Writing also helps you keep a record of what is happening in your life and is great for future reminders of God’s faithfulness. “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth” (Job 19:23-25).
- Simplify life. Not all stress is caused by business, but it can sure add to it. Busyness drains us and takes emotional, physical and spiritual energy that should be available when tough times come. If we are running on empty it won’t take as much to derail us. Healthy eating, good exercise, enough rest and sleep and relaxing times are essential. Keep margins in your life. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).
What causes the most stress in your life? What works best for you to overcome stress?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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