Some stress is a natural part of life as we meet deadlines or reach for excellence. But stress develops into a serious problem when it becomes entrenched as a cycle we can’t shake. It can be both destructive and motivating. It can sneak up on us and linger for what seems like forever, even never going away for some. Stress affects some far more than others, and we all handle it differently. It doesn’t discriminate based on gender, age, geography, finances, or race. It permeates all aspects of life and affects our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. It ignores the line between work and personal life. With constant demands on our time, energy, and emotions, it feels impossible to turn “off.” Instantly accessible at any moment, we’re always on-call and in-demand. No wonder we’re stressed out.

Stress tends to hit us when we’re overtired, when we’re sick, and when we’re outside of our safe and familiar environment. When we’ve taken on too many responsibilities, during times of grief and tragedy, when our circumstances spin out of control, we feel stressed. And when our basic needs are not being met, we feel threatened and anxious. Anxiety in particular can be hard to own up to because it makes us feel weak in an area where so many others appear to be strong. The temptation is to keep pushing and hope the anxiety goes away on its own.

Stress can be an enormous problem and a vicious enemy, but it’s not unbeatable. You are not alone! There is hope! In fact, God in His wisdom has given us clear guidance on how to overcome it, in His life-giving Word. The Bible is a great source of guidance and comfort when we feel the weight of stress on us. Additionally, having the help of another person who understands specific mental issues and has helped people in the past can be of benefit as well. One option is to look for help from a therapist or counselor. If you are interested in talking with someone, contact the Christ Church office at 316-733-7011. We would love to connect you with a Pastor or recommend a Counselor or Therapist for you.

SCRIPTURES

Psalm 94:19 - "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."

Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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."

Matthew 6:34 - "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "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."

James 1: 2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Luke 12:25-26 - "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"