There are many things we get stressed out over – studying for exams, the holiday season, a difficult job, how much money we have, or even what God is calling us to do with our lives, but is stress ever permissible at the end of the day? I’m not going to act like I never stress out over anything (because I sure do a lot), but I’ve learned through my own experiences that when I stressed, I’m ultimately not trusting in God.
Over and over in the Bible we are reminded of how good God is to us and how He provides rest to the weary. He is the giver of peace. He brings joy to our souls. The question is, do we really believe that?
I’d like to encourage you to be reminded that no matter what you are going through today, God is bigger and better than any circumstance that you could be facing. He calls you to cast your burdens onto Him and that He will sustain you. Trust in Him one day at a time.
Here is what the Bible has to say with scripture on stress:
James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
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.”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Psalm 94:19 – “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Psalm 118:5-6 – “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Romans 8:6 – “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
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.”
What does the Bible have to say about other topics?
Feel free to add any additional Scripture to this topic by commenting below.
Thanks, Mike. I’ll highlight this on the Christian Poets & Writers blog.
Thanks Mary!!