We all know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life. We get stressed out! But have you ever paused to ask yourself, “What does the Bible say about stress?”
The Bible doesn’t shy away from this topic. In fact, it’s full of comforting promises and practical guidance to help us find peace in the chaos and handle our stress when it comes up.
What the Bible says about stress
Stress and anxiety are universal human experiences – we all know what it’s like. But the Bible reminds us we’re not alone in facing them. Throughout Scripture, we see stories, encouragement, and wisdom around the topic of stress. Here’s what we can learn:
Real people dealt with stress in the Bible
Stress isn’t a recent experience, even if it may be more common in this day and age. When we explore what the Bible says about anxiety and stress, we see that even great leaders of faith faced these emotions.
- David cried out to God in desperation throughout the book of Psalms, expressing his fear and stress. But he always trusted in God’s faithfulness.
- Moses felt the weight of leading the Israelites – he even asked God to take his life at one point because of the pressure (Numbers 11:14-15).
- Jesus himself experienced deep anxiety and stress the night before he was arrested and would ultimately be sentenced to death by crucifixion (Luke 22:44).
In addition to stress, the Bible is full of accounts of people dealing with all kinds of mental health struggles. Reading the stories of mental health in the Bible and relating these experiences to our daily lives can help us find encouragement and healing.
We can overcome stress
In addition to relatable stories, the Bible gives us practical steps and truths to remember that can help reduce our stress and give us the strength we need to overcome it:
- Trust in God. When life feels overwhelming, trusting in God’s plan can provide the peace and direction we need. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that by bringing our requests to God and trusting him with the outcome, his peace will carry us through. Our problems won’t go away, but keeping our trust in God can give us strength to withstand them.
- Get rest. God designed us for rest. In Exodus 20:8-10, the Sabbath commandment emphasizes the importance of taking time to recharge and focus on God. God literally commanded us to rest – because he knew we needed it! Rest isn’t just physical; it’s spiritual and emotional renewal. And without it, we become vulnerable to stress and burnout.
- Find support from your community. Just like we’re not designed to run ourselves ragged without adequate rest, we’re not designed to live life alone. Galatians 6:2 tells us how God wired us to lean on relationships: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When we lean on others, whether it be friends, family, or otherwise, we can ease the weight of our stress.
- God knows what you need. Like trusting God’s plan, we also need to trust his ability to provide. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus addresses our tendency to worry directly. He reminds us that if God provides for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, giving them just what they need to survive and flourish, he cares much more for each of us. This truth can help us relax and ease up on our worries.
Stress can strengthen our faith
While stress and anxiety can be overwhelming, they also give us an opportunity to grow. The Bible reminds us that our struggles are not wasted. There are two ways the Bible shows us that we can grow as a result of stress:
- We become more dependent on God: Paul gave us a powerful reminder in 2 Corinthians. He tells us that God’s grace is sufficient for us, and that his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Stress often pushes us to rely more fully on God – and this release of control helps us let go of stress.
- We become more resilient: James 1:2-4 encourages us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials because they produce perseverance and maturity.
When we look to what the Bible says about stress, we discover that God can use our struggles to refine and strengthen our faith.
Feeling stressed right now? Here’s what to do.
Here are some tangible steps you can take right now to manage your stress:
1. Pray
Bring your worries to God in prayer. Start by telling him how you’re feeling and what you’re worried about, then ask for his peace and guidance. Philippians 4:6 reminds us that through prayer, God can transform our anxiety into peace.
2. Read the Bible
Spend time reflecting on Bible verses and stories that will encourage you. For example:
Here are some more Bible verses that can help you overcome fear, worry, and stress.
3. Practice gratitude
When we’re stressed, it can easily consume our thoughts – and over time, those thought patterns can become deeply engrained and hard to break free from. Focusing on what you’re thankful for can shift your mindset. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Here are some ways to do that and practice gratitude each day.
4. Seek wise advice and counsel
God gave us other people for a reason – because we can support each other! Join a Group where you can share your burdens with others, start talking to a counselor to discover tools and coping strategies for stress, or talk to your loved ones about how you’ve been feeling so they can support you.
You’ve got this.
Stress and anxiety are a part of life, but they don’t need to control you. The Bible gives hope, guidance, and tools we can use to find peace. The next time your stress feels overwhelming, remember what the Bible says about stress: God’s peace is always within reach. Why not take one step today to apply these truths and experience the difference they can make in your life?
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Stress relief often starts with a little self-care – here are some ways to practice self-care and give yourself a little TLC!
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