Is it possible to live stress free in today’s world? That’s a good question we should all ask ourselves, because stress is one of the prevailing characteristics in today’s world. We live in a tension-charged, fast-paced world full of demands and complexities that have caused the stress level of our society to reach epidemic proportions.
A couple of questions we must ask ourselves are, “Does Jesus offer us a stress-free life?” and “Does the Bible offer us opportunities to living a stress-free life?” I believe the answer to both of these questions is yes.
1. A Biblical Picture of Stress-Free Living
Matthew 6:25-33 “… Do not worry about your life … Look at the birds of the air … why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow … If that is how God clothes the grass of the field … will he not much more clothe you? … but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness … do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
The key to having God’s divine perspective about worry is “to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” This must be obeyed and lived out in your life. Our minds will deceive us and lead us to think we are seeking God and His kingdom first when we may not be. We should ask other disciples in our life for honest answers to help us.
2. Defining Stress
Stress is simply defined as “a factor that creates a mental, emotional, or physical strain.” It is “a state of unresolved tension arising from the pressures, irritations, and demands of life”. In biblical terms, the word “affliction” is the closest equivalent. Affliction can also be defined as “the pressure which affects a person’s life”. It is a broad term encompassing many factors that contribute to stress. Affliction in the Greek means anguish, burden, persecution, tribulation and trouble.
Keep in mind that God did not promise us we would be exempt from the things that cause stress and anxiety, but rather He promises to enable us to live in such a way that these things will not affect us.
John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Stress is a universal problem which periodically troubles Christians and non-Christians alike. Even Paul referred to the stress he experienced when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:8, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.”
Common Symptoms of Stress
• the tempo of life, the strain of demands and responsibilities
• a failure to seek adequate rest and relaxation • a poor use of time
• a poor diet • vitamin deficiencies
• wrong priorities • spiritual conflicts
• a tendency to overextend ourselves • lack of exercise
• insufficient communion with God • unresolved inter-personal conflicts
• emotional problems • procrastination
• unresolved sins
3. We Must See Things From God’s Perspective
Life is filled with a wide variety of circumstances. Some situations are positive, some are negative. However, the circumstances we encounter, regardless of the nature, often produce feelings of stress. This is especially true of the adverse situations which suddenly affect or alter the course of our lives. A great deal of stress can be alleviated or minimized by viewing our circumstances from a godly perspective. If we fail to perceive our life situations, at any point, as God perceives them, then we become susceptible to stress.
Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
In one of Germany’s famous art galleries, a painting called “Cloud Lane” hangs at the end of a long dark hall. It appears at first to be a huge, ugly mass of confused color — unattractive and foreboding. Upon closer examination, however, you see an innumerable company of angels. Theodore Cuyler writes, “How often the soul that is frightened by a trial sees nothing but a conglomeration of broken expectations. But if he analyzes the situation from a position of faith — he will soon discover that the cloud is God’s wonderful chariot of providence, full of angels of mercy.”
4. Deal With Unresolved Sins and Conflicts
Hebrews 12:1-2 … “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Sin generates inner tensions and conflicts, and if it stays unresolved, whether public or private, we must sincerely seek Christ’s cleansing power and forgiveness. Whatever your conflicts may be, learn to deal with them as they come up. The more you put them off, the more they pile on top of one another, the more stress you will experience. If you are experiencing irritations in your marriage life, at work, with friends, or whatever, deal with them.
Matthew 5:23-24 … “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
5. Give Everything to God in Prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 … “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
A great deal of stress is the direct result of shouldering the burdens of life without turning to The Lord in prayer. We have access to “peace of God” when we release our burdens to The Lord.
1 Peter 5:7 … “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Trust in God’s Word!
Romans 15:4 … “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Life is short, then we get to go to heaven!
Love, your brother in Christ,
Chris Chloupek
