Can we say, “I am stress-free”? All of us will experience some stress in our lives; this is normal. We require some level of stress to keep us attentive and motivated. What about excessive stress, though? We have all probably at some point or another felt the crippling effects of stress. Studies have shown that constant stress has an adverse effect on both our mental and physical health. Stress brings in problems such as depression, panic attacks and other forms of anxiety. Physically, depressed people often experience headaches, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, chest pain and/or insomnia.
But the reality is that stress cannot be avoided; what we can control is how we react to it. The Bible provides the solution to every kind of stress you and I go through. Let me share the common causes of stress and the Biblical solutions to it.
1. Loneliness
Many find loneliness to be painful. It is possibly the cruelest punishment that can be meted out. It affects countless millions of people worldwide. Research has shown that the widespread use of social media today has an adverse effect on mental health, causing loneliness because of a fear of missing out. Being alone does not always mean being without company; you can be surrounded by many people and still feel alone. Who can rescue individuals from this loneliness's misery? I have some good news, though. Keep in mind that God is there for you when you're feeling lonely. He has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Good News:
Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Joshua 1:5 – “I will not leave you nor forsake you.”’
2. Challenges in life
Even ordinary challenges that we face in our daily lives can lead to stress. Yelling children, a bad boss, work overload, toxic relationships, financial troubles – all these lead to stress. Major life events like a wedding and unpleasant events like divorce or the death of a loved one can have a significant impact. These events make us feel powerless and incapable of coping with these situations. However, the good news is that you need not deal with these issues alone in life. God reminds us that He would strengthen us to handle all our life’s challenges. Through Him, you can get through even the worst times.
Good News:
Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
3. Worrying about the future
Most people worry and fear about what the future may bring. Our lack of certainty that our plans and dreams will come true triggers our worries. Many do not enjoy their present moment because they worry about the thought of what their future might hold.
Worrying about tomorrow builds up stress hormones like cortisol in our body leading to several physical complications such as insomnia, lack of appetite, ill health and so on. Sometimes, there are little things that we worry about excessively that trigger our stress.
Good News:
In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not [l]arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. - Matthew 6:25-34
There’s a good reason not to worry. The Lord has kept a good future in store for you.
Jer 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
4. Overwhelming responsibilities
Jobs with too many goals, being the only source of income, and dependent family members might cause stress due to the burden of responsibility. Too much of responsibilities cause overwhelming stress leading to burnout. When we have too many responsibilities to handle, our brain shuts down and becomes incapable of completing even the smallest task. The good news is that we have a place to rest even when heavily burdened with overbearing responsibilities. Let’s avoid the error of thinking that it’s a burden we must bear by ourselves. We have Jesus to lift our burdens and ease our suffering.
Good News: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
5. Discrimination, hate and abuse
Experiencing discrimination, hate and abuse is not easy. It is painful and stressful and can lead to long-term consequences. There could be painful wounds that even time won’t heal. Only Jesus Christ can truly heal the wounds left by abuse. It is only Jesus who grants peace to those in pain. Jesus Christ will unquestionably comfort, vindicate, and heal agony and sufferings caused by any form of abuse.
Good News: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
