Anxiety and Relief

Stress is Common

There are some common myths surrounding stress

Myth - We can live a stress free life

Well, you can't. You can't live a stress free life. Stress is a part of the human condition.

Myth - All Stress is bad

The truth is all stress is not negative. In some ways stress can be a positive thing. It can help us achieve and strive. Stress can help us face challenges and grow as humans. The key to dealing with stress involves how we manage the stress that comes into our lives.

Myth - If we are overwhelmed with stress it means that we are sinning and not trusting God.

Now, that is just silly. It is true that the mismanagement and mishandling of stress can lead us to into sin and it can make us forget that we must trust God. But, we must also understand that the greatest Christians of all time have had to deal with stress. Being overwhelmed with stress does not mean that one has backslid or that one is in trouble spiritually. It just means that one needs to reach out to the LORD.

So if thats what stress is not then what is it?

External pressure causing physical, mental, or emotional strain

Job 35:9 ESV “Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty.

Self-induced internal pressure causing physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual strain

Hebrews 10:14 ESV For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Internal resistance responding to outside pressure

Psalm 38:7 ESV For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh.

Negative Pressure resulting in distress, danger, or destruction

Proverbs 1:27 ESV when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.

Positive pressure producing motivation and movement

Proverbs 16:26 ESV A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.

We can Overcome stress

So what does the bible say on the topic?

Go and pray alone

Jesus would often experience stress and anxiety and his response was to go and pray

English Standard Version Chapter 5

16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray

English Standard Version Chapter 14

And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

English Standard Version Chapter 6

12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

Prayers can be our refuge when things become stressful

When we pray God becomes our partner in stress

English Standard Version Chapter 6

When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

How amazing that God sent his army to be with his people but Elijah could not see it, in the same way we are blind to Gods help

We can take refuge in the scripture

English Standard Version Chapter 11

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

God is on our side and by reading the scripture we can take part of the best medicine, Gods word

If we look into many passages we can find ways to deal with stress in the bible so just reading it and meditating on it will help us. look what the Lord tells us in Proverbs

English Standard Version Chapter 3

5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6  In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

We must learn to both Give and Receive

we must learn to let things go and receive Gods peace

These are opposite sides of the same coin but require eachother to be successful

Psalm 23 is an excellent example of this because over and over we see God giving peace and and the lamb giving up the worry

English Standard Version Psalm 23

1  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2  He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3  He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5  You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

We can help other overcome stress

Finally we can help other overcome the stress of the World by being nice to one another when we can

English Standard Version Chapter 12

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,

but a good word makes him glad.