Stress: Managing Pressure and Finding Peace in God

Stress is part of life in a fallen world – a response of body, soul and spirit to the pressures we face. A certain amount strengthens us, but unrelenting pressure harms. Wisdom lies in managing what we can, and entrusting what we cannot to the God who invites us to cast every care on Him.

The Weight We Carry

Stress is a response of the body to demands made on it through unresolved tension arising from the pressures and irritations of life – conflicting or excessive obligations, difficult circumstances, uncertainty, our rights not being met, emotional and physical fatigue, or strained relationships, together with unconfessed sin.

Don't carry tomorrow's cares today – Matthew 6:34

As there is an intertwining of spirit, soul and body, stress affects the whole person – eating, sleeping, health, work, relationships and spirituality. During these tense times we are more vulnerable to temptation, besides venting unresolved feelings on others. Being physically or emotionally stressed reduces the body's immunity, making it more susceptible to illness.

A certain amount of stress is beneficial, providing motivation and challenging and extending our capabilities; but undue and unrelenting pressure that exceeds our ability to cope has a detrimental influence on all we relate to, besides ourselves.

Handled well, stress helps develop our character and potential – 'suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope' (Rom 5:3-4), and 'the testing of your faith produces perseverance', making us 'mature and complete, not lacking anything' (Jas 1:2-4). The pressure we resent today may be forging the strength we rely on tomorrow. So don't just give up when the weight feels heavy. With the Lord's help, press through – He is doing a deeper work in you through the very difficulties you face, and you can be confident that 'at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up' (2 Cor 4:17; Gal 6:9).

Managing Stress Wisely

Periods of stress are refining times, giving the impetus to gain a true perspective, sort out priorities and set boundaries. Analyse the situations and events that cause you stress and realistically deal with them – what can be eliminated from your schedule, what needs to be conquered, what methods can you use to bring this about? As much as we are able, we are to be masters of our lives, not being dictated to by others or circumstances.

If possible, eliminate the root cause of the stress and not just its effects – kill the spider so you are not constantly removing its web! Deal with the pressures by reacting in a positive way; confront your fears and the emotional anguish caused by past mistakes or undue concern about the future. Much of what we worry about never comes to pass, or is of reduced severity to what our minds portray; even when you have made a mistake it is probably not as disastrous as you think, so learn from it and forgive yourself.

Follow these stress relief techniques

Take control of your thoughts, bringing them into submission so they don't follow the predictable, negative pathway of reprocessing the information received (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:5; 1 Pet 4:12). Think ahead and plan, being committed to achieving attainable goals, but do not fret over what you can't control, yet uphold your integrity (Lk 12:22-31). Know your vulnerable stressor points, pace yourself, and don't leave everything till the last minute. Even in the midst of a stressful situation, taking 'a breather' for a few minutes – a good walk, watching a funny film or another diversion – can restore enthusiasm and energy.

Nourishing food, adequate rest and physical activity are vital to reduce the tension, through improved circulation to eliminate harmful toxins, and so bring restoration to the whole body.

Often in today's hectic lifestyle, the pace and the pressures create burnout and unnecessary turmoil within. We need wisdom and balance to know what we should be involved with, yet graciously and firmly decline other opportunities, which although they 'are of God' and will advance His Kingdom, are not for us personally. Have such a relationship with God that you clearly hear His voice and feel secure in saying 'no'. We can't do everything and we need time out to refocus and recharge our batteries.

God's Antidote to Stress

To counteract the negative influences of stress, it is vitally important to stay connected to God, praising Him for His faithfulness, mercy and love, as a cheerful, thankful heart with an optimistic outlook is a good antidote to stress – 'In God I trust… What can man do to me?' (Ps 56:3-4; Prov 17:22, 18:14; Lk 12:5). Focus on God, who, because He will never leave us, is our refuge and salvation at all times, providing strength beyond what our humanity is capable of (Ps 46:1; Isa 33:2, 40:30-31; Heb 4:16, 13:5).

The Bible's advice is, 'Trust in the Lord. Don't let your heart be troubled' (Jn 14:1,27). Joy, prayer and praise form a triple antidote as we look to Jesus, our firm, anchor-like hope (1 Thes 5:16-18; Heb 6:19). In the outer world we will have trouble, but in the inner world with Jesus there is peace, strength and restoration (Jn 16:33; 2 Cor 4:16; Eph 3:16). Remind yourself, 'We did not receive a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind' (Rom 8:15; 2 Tim 1:7).

A lot of stress arises because we foolishly try to battle on without the Lord, shouldering 'life' ourselves and ignoring His promise – 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' (Mt 11:28-30). Peter also advises us to cast all our cares on Him, and Jesus promises rest for our souls (Mt 11:29; 1 Pet 5:7). We should pray about everything, so that God's peace will guard our hearts (Phil 4:6-7). This brings spiritual and emotional release – complaining doesn't! We are able to conquer hardships because nothing can separate us from God's love (Rom 8:35-39). Although we are hard pressed and crushed, we should not lose heart, for 'faithful is He who has called us' and He will complete what He has started (2 Cor 4:8-9,16; Phil 1:6).

Reflection and Application

Analyse what is driving your stress and take one practical step to eliminate its root cause.
Bring every anxious thought captive in prayer, praising God for His faithfulness.
Schedule regular breathers – rest, exercise and time to refocus and recharge.
Graciously say 'no' to what is not yours to carry; keep your load entrusted to God.