October 1, 2023
“I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” John 16:33 (NRSV)
“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.” Psalms 119:143 (NLT)
”We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NRSV)
”Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (NRSV)
What a week? Talking with several of my friends and sisters in Christ, one thing we had in common was the experience of some rather unusual stressful situations. How was your week? By now you may have asked the question, what in the world is sanctified stress. I was actually looking for an adjective for the word stress to help me in writing what was on my heart this week and sanctified stress just might fit. Let me know what you think!
There are often times when life simply happens leading to undesirable conditions and situations resulting in stress. How do you handle stressful situations in your life? Do you say, “I am too blessed to be stressed!” Or do you say, yes, I am blessed, and I am finding my way through the maze of life’s stressors allowing God to help and lead me through my stressful situations!
Let’s face it, life sometimes causes us to feel like a rubber band stretched tight. Have you ever felt like you were being pulled in different directions or pulled against your sense of well-being. There are those that have a full plate, trying to do too much work with too little time or often too few resources can stretch you beyond your capacity. Trying to live in today’s society with its many demands many times puts excessive pressures on us. Trying to cope with the array of stressors – many of which we have no control of which can produce undue stress that can manifest as a physical, emotional, and spiritual response and its intensity can vary from mild to severe!
First, stress is a complex and individualized set of experiences, and defined as the body’s physical, emotional, or mental, response to internal or external challenges or demands that is often referred to as stressors. It is a natural and adaptive reaction that helps individuals cope with various situations and threats. What constitutes a stressor and how it affects a person can vary widely! It’s important to recognize that these stressors can have complex and interconnected effects on us as a whole.
The modern world presents us with a myriad of stressors. Some of the major stressors that people are dealing with impact us individually, as communities, as well as a society. Many of which have become more prominent or intensified in recent years, such as global conflicts and disasters, environmental degradation, climate change, and mental health challenges. Although statistics reflect a decrease in the stigma surrounding mental health, there is an increase in mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, which continue to affect many individuals precipitating an increase in legal and illegal medication. Ongoing conflicts, wars, and humanitarian crises around the world can cause stress and anxiety, especially for those directly affected and for those who empathize with the suffering of others. There is also ongoing concern regarding quality healthcare and affordability of medical treatments.
There is racial and social injustice, and the pre and post COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress on a global scale, and the potential for another. There is financial stress not to mention the concern and immediate crisis surrounding the government shutdown. Despite the interconnectedness of the digital age, many individuals experience social isolation and loneliness, which can have detrimental effects on our overall well-being. Increased awareness of racial and social inequalities, as well as incidents of injustice and discrimination, have led to stress and activism for many individuals advocating for change. Work-life balance has become increasingly challenging, with many people feeling the pressure to be constantly available due to remote work and advances in communication technology.
Then there are marital difficulties or difficulties in parent-child relationships, or any relational difficulties can bring stress into our lives. The issue of our aging population, leading to concerns about caring for elderly family members and planning for retirement, which can be stressful for both older and younger generations. You would agree that educational stressors are a concern with students of all ages experiencing some stress related to academic pressures, standardized testing, and the challenges of remote learning. The ubiquity of smartphones and digital devices has led to stress related to constant connectivity, information overload, and concerns about privacy and online security.
Reflecting of my years of experience in the medical profession, ministry, and biblical counseling, I have experienced first-hand how important it is to manage and cope with stress effectively to maintain overall well-being and reduce the risk of stress-related health issues. It is important to know that stress can be a quiet and sneaky enemy. It’s not evident like a rowing lion but rather sneaky like a serpent, slithering into families choking out the life and laughter that was once abundant. It often comes not in a big bad force but in the form of too many things that may choke out the joy of family and community life!
REMEMBER! A certain amount of stress is beneficial. It is known as healthy stress, often referred to as “eustress,” is a form of stress that can have several benefits when managed appropriately. It differs from chronic or overwhelming stress, which can be detrimental to physical and mental health. Some of the potential benefits of healthy stress are motivation and productivity. It can serve as a motivator, driving individuals to take action and accomplish tasks. A mild level of stress can also stimulate the brain, improving cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. A level of short-term stress can temporarily boost the immune system, preparing the body to respond to potential threats or injuries.
Moderate stress can lead to creative problem-solving and innovative thinking. When individuals are faced with challenging situations, they may come up with novel solutions. Healthy stress can help individuals develop emotional resilience, enabling them to better manage their emotions and cope with difficult situations. Stress from regular exercise helps improve physical health and fitness. The body adapts to the stress of exercise by becoming stronger and more resilient. Overcoming stressors, such as achieving a personal goal or facing fear, can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. Be clear that the benefits of healthy stress are contingent on individuals being able to manage and cope with the stress effectively. When stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can lead to a host of negative health concerns.
STRESS ON THE OUTSIDE NEED NOT MEAN STRESS ON THE INSIDE. I love reading about the life of the Apostle Paul. It just seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to rejoice. But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. Several times in this letter, Paul urged the Philippians to be joyful, probably because they needed to hear this. It’s easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. If you haven’t been joyful lately, you may not be looking at life from the right perspective.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.
HEART CHALLENGE
Understanding the design of the designer – our true character is EXPOSED when we are under stress. Character is built from the positive building blocks of life. But it is also built from conquering the stresses and problems of life. What you do with stress not only reveals your character but also helps develop your character.
How Do You Fine Joy, Peace, and Stability Amid the storms of STRESSORS In Life?” What is the answer?GOD IS THE ANSWER! God can bring peace in the midst of YOUR stressful situations.
HOW DO WE RESPOND TO STRESS SO THAT SOMETHING GOOD CAN COME FROM IT?
Romans 5:3-4. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure.
James 1:2-4. Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
John 16:33. 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.
OUR RESPONSE TO STRESS MAY BE AN INDICATION THAT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS LACKING.
When the Israelites encountered danger, shortages, and inconvenience, they complained bitterly and longed to be back in Egypt. But as always, God provided for their needs. Difficult circumstances often lead to stress, and complaining is a natural response. The Israelites didn’t really want to be back in Egypt; they just wanted life to get a little easier. In the pressure of the moment, they could not focus on the cause of their stress (in this case, lack of trust in God); they could only think about the quickest way of escape.
When pressure comes your way, resist the temptation to make a quick escape. Instead, focus on God’s power and wisdom to help you deal with the cause of your stress. “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2. (NLT)
IN TIMES OF STRESS, PRAYER CAN RELEASE OUR TENSIONS. David expressed his feelings to God and then reaffirmed his faith. Trusting God to be our rock, rescuer, defense, and fortress will change our entire outlook on life. No longer must we be held captive by resentment toward others when they hurt us. When we are resting in God’s strength, nothing can shake us.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. Romans 5:3-4. (NLT)
Stress that cannot be avoided may help us grow in Faith and Character. The first-century Christians, suffering was the rule rather than the exception. Paul tells us that in the future we will become, but until then we must overcome. This means we will experience difficulties that help us grow. We rejoice in suffering not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life’s difficulties and Satan’s attacks to build our character. The problems that we run into will develop our patience-which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about the future. You probably find your patience tested in some way every day. Thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in his strength as noted in James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7.
TRUST IN GOD’S SOVEREIGNITY “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. The Word of God encourages believers to trust in God’s control over their lives. Recognizing God’s sovereignty can alleviate stress, as it reminds individuals that God is in charge and has a plan, even in difficult circumstances.
There is Nothing! No circumstance, no trouble, no testing that can touch you, until first it has gone through God the Father past Jesus Christ, right through to you. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to panic as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the Throne of God for some great purpose or blessing to my own Heart. It may pierce me, hurt me, make me cry, but no sorrow will ever overcome me, no trial will ever disarm me, and no circumstance, will cause me to doubt the goodness of God. For I shall rest in the Joy of who my Lord is. TRUST HIM! Sanctified STRESS
STRESS OUGHT TO REMIND YOU TO PRAY. Imagine never worrying about anything! It seems like an impossibility-we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school. But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray!
AN PROGRAMMED 
HEART:
STRESS IS OFTEN SELF-INFLICTED BY OUR CHOICE OF WHAT WE THINK! What we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions. The Apostle Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, good, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, conversations/gossip, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God’s Word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done.
Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and His life brings light to mankind. In His light, we see ourselves as we really are (as sinners in need of a Savior). When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our life.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your Life You sacrificed for us. Father, please give us Your joy and peace that is different from the world’s peace. Your peace guards our heart and mind against anxiety and stress. Give us Your peace that comes from knowing that You are is in control, that our citizenship in Your kingdom is sure, and that we can have the victory in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!