4 Ways to Deal with Stress Biblically

Before learning to deal with stress biblically, we must first define “stress.” The word “stress” is defined in the dictionary as “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.” Few of us need a definition of the word, as feeling stressed is perhaps one of the most common emotions in our modern society.

In fact, it is rare to find someone who does not feel stressed on a regular basis, or at least from time to time. Stress can result from any number of factors – finances, family, relationships, work – any aspect of life that has the potential to not go the way we’ve planned it. The gravity and symptoms of stress vary according to individuals, with a mild sense of feeling flustered on the one end and full-blown panic attacks necessitating medication on the other.

4 Ways to Deal with Stress from a Christian Perspective

If we can nip stress in the bud, there is a greater chance of preventing it from spiraling into a damaging mental state that limits our effective functioning. As Christians, it is important and reassuring to recognize that God’s word does not remain silent on our stress, and it gives us some very concrete guidance on ways to deal with stress biblically. Steps to take to open ourselves up to this wisdom include:

1. Admitting to God, and ourselves, that we are stressed

Sometimes we get so caught up in busyness and in trying to keep up appearances, that we can bury our stress for a long time. Unfortunately, avoidance is not one of the healthier ways to deal with stress, and it will eventually catch up with us in some way, either through physical sickness or mental burnout and exhaustion.

The first important step is to acknowledge that we are not coping with the burdens in life that we are facing. We need to admit the problem to ourselves first, and then to God, who is aware of how we are feeling, and ready and waiting to help us with our burden and deal with stress biblically.

Psalm 34:6 says, “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all of his troubles.” This gives great assurance that, first, if we tell God about our stress, he will hear us. Secondly, he can save us from all our troubles – what an awesome promise!

Too often, we underestimate God’s ability to help us and prefer to hold on to our stress. We need to hand them over, humbling ourselves at his feet and being prepared to wait for him to answer in his way, according to his timing.

2. Give up unhealthy stress management habits

Do you find yourself stocking up on chocolate bars when you know you have a stressful week ahead? Or recovering from a trying week by bingeing on mind-numbing TV shows? These are common, and yet unhelpful ways to deal with stress. They might offer temporary comfort, but after over-indulging ourselves in this type of stress management habit, we feel worse than we felt before.

We are essentially becoming enslaved to idols, which promise much satisfaction and yet very quickly reveal themselves as enemies to a healthy body and mind. Galatians 5:1 reminds us: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with some occasional sweet treats, or watching a television program, it is when it becomes a necessary medication that it becomes a problem. This again requires some soul searching to admit to ourselves, and God, that some of our behavior may be less than pleasing to him.

When we recognize this, we can take comfort from the words of 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” If we pray to him, he will release us from our unhealthy habits, and point us in a new direction.

3. Be a good steward of your body and mind

God’s word tells us that whatever we do, we’re to do it for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This includes how we look after the physical body (and mind) that He’s given us. When we have a lot going on and are occupied by the things that are causing stress, we tend to neglect the basic premises of good stewardship – we don’t get enough sleep, and we can ignore exercise and healthy eating, both of which require a portion of our time to fit in and plan carefully around.

Some good ways to deal with stress are to go back to basics and focus on getting some good physical habits in place. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, he advises them to take care of their bodies, because our bodies are a living temple, a dwelling place for Christ.

This is relevant today, to those of us who are caught up in a constant state of stress. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, those who exercise regularly were 25% less likely to develop depression or anxiety, so perhaps a good starting point to manage stress is to get outside and enjoy a vigorous walk!

4. Spend good time in God’s Word

Daily time spent drinking from God’s Word is akin to drinking “living water” – it will renew and reinvigorate us, helping us to put our stress into perspective. As the psalmist declares in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” – as we dedicate time to meditating and reflecting on Scripture, we will realize how thirsty our souls are, and how God can quench this thirst.

When we feel stressed, often the first thing we neglect is daily Bible reading and prayer. Instead of trying to deal with stress biblically, we turn to other ways to deal with stress, which leaves us vulnerable to the spiritual warfare that is at play. The devil loves to see us burdened with mental tension, which leaves us depleted, discouraged, and open to all kinds of spiritual vulnerabilities. He will lie to us, making us feel unworthy and that God doesn’t care about our situation after all.

It is vital to recognize these lies for what they are and refute them with God’s truth. When we are struggling with stress and anxiety, we need to arm ourselves with every piece of armor that God gives us: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6)

We do not need to submit to a life filled with stress. It is not part of God’s plan for how he wants to see us conduct our lives, and he has given us everything we need to combat it, and move into a calmer, more peaceful state. This may include seeing a biblically trained counselor, who can walk the journey with us through our stress, and help us find better ways to deal with stress when it raises its head again.

We may also require medication if our stress levels are out of control, and this in no way means that we are not relying on or trusting in God sufficiently. God has provided anti-depressants through modern medicine, and, when administered under professional guidance, they may be necessary to help us through.

The first indication of stress could be a good early warning sign that we are not going to God as we should, that we are not trying to deal with stress biblically, or that we have neglected to give our bodies what they need to function optimally. We would do well to act on that first trigger, to prevent our stress levels from becoming further elevated.