The Nature of Stress
Stress is a natural human experience that can be overwhelming if not managed properly. It is not just a physiological response of the body to danger or distress, but an emotional one too. It can affect our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, leading to feeling of fatigue, anxiety and depression. Stress, if not resolved effectively, can lead to serious problems like high blood pressure, depression and heart disease. The good news is that although significant stress is part of life, there are ways to deal with it in a productive and healthy manner.
What Does The Bible Say About Stress?
When examining the Bible to understand its teachings on stress, it can be seen that scripture encourages believers to “cast [their] anxiety on Him, because he cares for [them]” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). This is the basis for many Christian beliefs about anxiety. They are taught to seek the help and support of God in times of stress and wait on Him to provide guidance, strength and peace. They learn to lean on Him and accept His support, believing that only He can reduce the overwhelming intensity of their feelings.
The Bible also tells us to “not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2, NKJV), meaning that we should not take up the mindset of the world and its interpretation of stress. We must instead take the focus off ourselves and the ‘what ifs’ and the ‘shoulds’, and instead look to God and His infinite wisdom to guide us. Scripture also advises us to keep our emotions in check so that “an anxious heart weighs a man down” (Proverbs 12.25, NIV).
Getting Help
The Bible also advises us to seek help when experiencing too much stress. This can come in many forms, including seeking professional help. The Bible instructs us to “seek wise counsel” (Proverbs 11:14, NKJV), meaning that we shouldn’t be afraid to talk to experts and take advice from professionals. It is also important to note that the Bible does not promise that all our troubles will be taken away by faith and prayer, instead it tells us we should use practical wisdom and look for help when needed. We can also seek the help of our faith community and family. Ultimately, the Bible tells us that God is the source of all comfort, strength and wisdom and it is He whom we should rely on.
Using Prayer and Meditation
The Bible also speaks of prayer and meditation as means of dealing with stress. Prayer can provide us with closeness to God and spiritual comfort when we are feeling overwhelmed. We can call out to Him for help, thanking Him for His protection and mercy. We can also use Scripture to find comfort and hope during our times of distress. The Bible promises that “he who troubles his own house will inherit the wind” (Proverbs 11:29, NKJV), warning us against those who are quick to worry instead of taking the time to seek God’s will.
Through meditation, we can take time to be still and ponder on God’s word, allowing ourselves to be filled with peace and stillness in our spirit. We can clear our minds of all the outside worries and focus on what’s really important – our relationship with God. By meditating on His word, we can gain insight, clarity and understanding of the situation.
Identifying the Source
In order to effectively deal with stress, we must first identify the source of our stress. Is it work, family, health or something else? Once we are aware of the source, we can begin to tackle it effectively. Taking time to reflect on what matters most and understanding our priorities can help us overcome stress. It can also be helpful to set mental boundaries separating our personal and professional lives, to ensure that we have time to focus on our spiritual health.
We must also identify our self-defeating behaviours which can exacerbate stress levels. Unhealthy behaviours such as procrastination, avoidance, overworking, and relying too much on technology can all be stress triggers, and it’s important to identify and address these.
Creating Balance
Creating a work-life balance if important for managing stress. This involves taking time to rest, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Spending meaningful moments with family and friends can be helpful in dealing with stress as it can provide us with a sense of peace, joy and connection which can be lacking when stress is high. It is also important to give ourselves grace and allow us space to go through difficulties without comparing ourselves to other people. The Bible tells us to be “strong and courageous” (Deut. 31:6, NIV), and that we should not feel the need to try and conform to the standards of others and be trapped by them.
Practicing Self Care
Another important part of managing our stress is practicing self-care. This means taking time to nurture our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Taking time for hobbies, watching a movie, and taking a warm bath, or going for a walk can all be helpful in reducing stress. We can also turn to nutrition to help us manage our stress. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, rich in vegetables and fruits, can nourish our bodies and contribute to improved feelings of wellbeing. Exercise is also important for managing stress, as it helps in releasing endorphins and increases our energy levels.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches us that it is important to talk to God in moments of distress and rely on Him to give us wisdom, strength, and guidance. It also encourages us to seek help and advice from all sources including family, professionals, and our faith community. We must identify the source of our stress and create balance in our lives by taking time to relax and spend quality time with those we love. Practicing self-care is also important, and it can be achieved through regular physical exercise and adopting a healthy diet. Ultimately, we must trust in God and accept His grace through all our struggles.
