DEALING WITH STRESS | Northstar Church

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”— John 16:33.

At some point in our lives, we will feel the weight of stress and anxiety in our lives. It may be one thing, or it may be a series of things that have built up over the years, causing stress to build up. Stress can bend us out of shape, making us act uncharacteristically. We find ourselves snapping at people, losing patience when we need it most, or becoming depressed. If we are not careful, stress can cause us to take our eyes off God and focus only on what is causing our stress.

In John 16, Jesus is warning His disciples that life is about to get stressful. He encourages them not to abandon their faith and to remember He will always be with them. Jesus was trying to explain His upcoming crucifixion and assure them that, although He would be leaving them, He would also be returning. Despite what Jesus said, the disciples were confused and concerned. So, in verse 33, He reassures them that no matter what happens in their earthly life, they can always remain peaceful in Him.

Fast-forward several thousand years, and the presence of stress and our need for Jesus are the same. Jesus understood life would always be stressful, and His promise of peace is applicable no matter what century we live in. The good news for Christians is that God gives us a strategy to deal with stress in a healthy way. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Of course, it is not that easy. There is some irony at play here. As you prepare to deal with stress, you will probably be stressed. In those times, remember that God is with you. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Maybe you have tried every stress relief tactic known to humankind to no avail. That’s because none of the stress management options are as effective as the stress relief found in Jesus.

If you have been searching for peace and serenity that seems completely out of reach, maybe you have simply been searching in all the wrong places. Stress is an outward indication of an inner situation—a situation of a heart that needs the peace of Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

What is your primary source of stress, and how does it affect your life?
How do you typically manage stress? What are some ways you can incorporate prayer into dealing with stress and anxiety?
How can you gain strength in times of stress or difficulties?