More than three-quarters of adults report symptoms of stress, including headache, tiredness, or sleeping problems.
American Psychological Association, 2019
Everyone knows what stress is, and many people experience it often. We feel we are facing more than we can handle. The expectations on us are too much, or we are in uncomfortable situations without a way to gain control or get out of it. It affects our mind, our emotions, and our bodies. Some of our medical issues are even caused by stress. And just because you attend church does not mean you immune to stress. Many of us even experience stress as we serve in the church.
At a recent visit to the doctor I saw this poster on the wall: Stress Coping Skills for Everyday Life.
There are a number of great ideas to put into practice when we are experiencing stress. Some of them are physical exercises such as “go outside” or “stretch”. Others are mental exercises such as “be positive”. There are social exercises and suggestions for eating better and drinking enough water.
These might all be good ideas. They cover most aspects of a person’s life – social, physical, emotional, and mental. But I couldn’t help noticing that there was something missing. Where is the spiritual aspect?
As people who know God, we should recognize the value of going to God in our times of stress. In fact, if we have put our faith in Christ for salvation, then we have also received His Spirit that lives within us. He is God within us. He wants us to have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
Like the psalmist David, we can cry out to God in our times of need.
When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way. (Psalm 142: 3)
Lord, you are the God who saves me;
day and night I cry out to you.
May my prayer come before you;
turn your ear to my cry.
I am overwhelmed with troubles
and my life draws near to death. (Psalm 88: 1-3)
Yes, there are many different things we can do to try to alleviate the feelings of stress, but why not call on God to help?
Call out to God for help. Pray. Spend time reading scripture. Allow God to speak. Meditate on passages of scripture or dwell on God’s attributes. Spend time in worship. Sing songs of praise. Listen to songs of praise. Ask God to calm your spirit and empower you by His Spirit to tackle the day with confidence.
When stressed, do what you can to trust God to walk you through it.
Keep looking up,
Andy Wiebe
Elevate with Andy 