Dealing With Stress (1)

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

Stress has become a universal problem and many medical professionals consider it an underlying cause of some serious health problems. In our personal environment, pressure and stress come through family trouble, financial difficulty, job pressure, and other factors.  There are a number of lists that detail stress factors and assign points to the various sources.  For example, the most stressful of events is the death of a spouse, divorce, marital separation, a jail term, death of another family member, illness or injury.  These events cause legitimate stress in our beings and they sometimes initiate lifestyle changes that must be dealt with while one is under constant emotional pressure.  At these times we need to rely on God’s promises to us and also seek consolation and help from other family members and friends.  These are not times to isolate!  God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT)

Other events that cause grief and worry are things that have happened or just might happen.  Some of us may obsess over past events which cannot be changed and allow these events to control our present and future wellbeing.  Some may worry about meeting the physical needs of themselves or their families.  Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:24-26 NIV)

There are many reactions to everyday stresses. Some try to flee the problem, in the hope that the irritation will go away. Some internalize their pressure, seeking to suppress it; however, it usually spills over into some other area. Others crumble emotionally, giving way to despair and depression or addictive behaviours.  God’s word teaches us fundamental principles that can bring us through tough times and positively benefit our spiritual and emotional well-being in the process. God really does know our name and He lovingly cares about us.  I took you from the ends of the earth,  from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’;   I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV)