Stress...We often accept it as a part of life and continue to wade in it until we drown. Truly, life isn’t supposed to be that way for Christians. Stress is the most prevalent health issue in our society today and as each year passes, our overloaded schedules only add to the problem. Are we going to have stressful situations? Yes. Are we to live a life completely encircled by stress? Not according to the Word of God. We know it effects of stress. They range from heart attacks to insomnia, and the signs include anxiety, substance abuse, and sleeplessness. Can it be overcome? Is there a solution to this problem that is more effect than smoking or stress balls? The Bible says that there has to be one!

In Philippians 4, Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.� (Philippians 4:6-7) We can overcome stress and find inner peace only through the peace of God in our lives and through God’s sustaining power. The problem normally comes from not properly seeking that peace from the Lord. It cannot be done in the confines of the normal day nor in the hustle and bustle of a schedule. It has to be viewed as an escape from a fallen world into the hands of a saving God. It needs to be done in solitude and can not be restricted by time limits.

Here are a few suggestions for physical and mental exercises to help eliminate the stress that is overtaking your life.

1) Walking/Running/Hiking â€" Exercise has always been a key to reducing stress and staying healthy. Finding a good state park or wooded area allows you to get the exercise that you need and clear your mind from all the things that are clouding it. Do this alone so you can sort through your thoughts without having unneeded distractions.

2) Bicycle Riding â€" This is another form of exercise that can serve as an amazing stress relief while you enjoy it alone. Choose a different route each day so the new sights of each trip keep it exciting. Notice the things around you and see the wonder of God in creation all along your journey. You work your muscles while leaving behind the stress of your day which helps you stay physically fit and mentally healthy.
Here are a couple of suggestions for mental exercises as well. These too can help to eliminate stress.

3) Batting Cage or Golf.... Sometimes it just feels good to hit something a long long ways. There is nothing like the sounds of a well hit fastball and perfect driver swing!

For the Mind
1) Prayer â€"
When you are stressed, don’t sit and dwell on all that is going on and all that you have to do, but rather pray…out loud. When we pray silently, our mind tends to wander off to the things that are on our schedule. When we pray out loud, it makes the prayer more personal and it takes on the resemblance of a conversation with our friends. Find a quiet place and have that open conversation with God who can help you through this time. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.� (Mt. 11:28) Talking out loud to the Lord gives us that personal feel and helps us to hand things off to the Lord rather than tackling it all ourselves.

2) Meditation â€"
When I say meditation, I am not referring to chanting or yoga. In meditation, find somewhere quiet and peaceful to meditate on all the awesome things that God has done. Visualize Jesus walking on the water, the Red Sea parting, or even the many miracles that God has performed in your life. Meditate on the teachings of the Bible. David said, “On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.� (Psalm 145:5) Meditation takes our focus off of our schedules and our problems and properly focuses us in on the glory of the Lord.

Stress can rule your life or it can be something that comes but doesn’t linger. The Lord has given us ways to handle stress but usually we focus only on the things that cause stress instead of the solution for stress. If we focus only on the stressful things, it will kill us whereas if we focus on God, God will sustain us.

Send This To A Friend