Hey friends!  Today, I want to talk about something that impacts us ALL…some more than others.  And that’s stress.  Yep.  Yep.  Some days are better than others.  Certain times of the year are more stressful.  But what are we supposed to do about it?  Well, let’s talk about it.

Okay, confession time.  I think I do pretty well managing my stress.  I’ve had ALOT of personal reflection, prayer and even outside therapy to help me personally help me.  And, it has helped.  But, I still get stressed…we all do.  It could be about something that happened at work.  Or a family issue that you deem as “dramatic’ but yet, it upsets you.  It could be you have too much on your plate because you just can’t say no.  Listen.  I get it.  In all of those cases, it is important to realize that stress has less to do with what’s happening to us and more to do with how we respond to uncertainty.

Fun fact.  The Bible does not use the word “stress” one time.  Even in Proverbs, where we get all of our practical wisdom, it doesn’t contain a single proverb about stress.  Which I find interesting/funny, because Solomon (author of Proverbs) had hundreds of wives and concubines.  I mean if anyone was stressed, he had to be stressed.  What the Bible does talk about is the experiences that create stress like fear, exhaustion, grief, uncertainty, responsibility, conflict and danger.

Before we go any farther, I want to point out that stress is not a sin.  In fact, we get stressed over things we value and love.  Because if you didn’t care about it, then you wouldn’t care about the outcome.  But the issue lies in how we respond to stress.  Trying to control everything, blaming others, resentment, withdrawing (my personal favorite 🫤).  All of these responses are heart level responses that need to be checked.  

Does any of these sound familiar?

  • Distract ourselves with endless entertainment or busyness
  • Explode at those closest to us (because they feel “safe”)
  • Self-medicate with food, alcohol, shopping, or digital noise
  • Blame our spouses, children, coworkers, or circumstances
  • Turn inward and isolate from the very people who could help us
  • Try to control every detail of our situation
  • Catastrophize and assume the worst possible outcomes

I am not throwing any shade your way because I will 100% tell you, I am guilty of doing every single one of these.  If you are guilty of any of these, did your response correct the issue?  Right.  It didn’t fix mine either.

So, now that we have nailed stress on the head!  How did Jesus teach us to respond to stressful situations?  Because you know He dealt with pretty heavy things while here on this Earth.  

  • Hopeless Situation – The man at the pool of Bethesda, paralyzed for 38 years (John 5). Jesus steps in with healing and hope, showing us that no situation is beyond God’s reach.
  • Unexpected Crisis – The disciples caught in a violent storm (Mark 4). While they panicked, Jesus spoke peace over the chaos, reminding us that God’s power is greater than any storm we face.
  • Public Embarrassment – The woman caught in adultery (John 8). Jesus responded with both grace and truth, showing us how to extend compassion without compromising righteousness.
  • Impossible Demands – Feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish (John 6). Jesus provided more than enough, demonstrating that God’s resources are never limited by our circumstances.
  • Constant Conflict – Confrontations with religious leaders who questioned His every move. Jesus stayed grounded in truth and in doing His Father’s will, not swayed by criticism or opposition.
  • Health Crises – Jairus’ daughter dying, friends sick and suffering (Mark 5, John 11). Jesus entered directly into people’s grief and brought healing and hope.
  • Ultimate Danger – Arrest, torture, and crucifixion. Even facing death, Jesus entrusted Himself entirely to the Father, praying “not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
  • Overwhelming Responsibility – Discipling followers, teaching crowds, healing the sick, dealing with constant demands. Jesus regularly withdrew to pray and depend on His Father (Luke 5:16).

I think it’s fair to say, Jesus dealt with stress.  But what Jesus showed is that God is present, compassionate and powerful.  It’s not based on perfect circumstances and on perfect trust.

So, I am going to try to give you a roadmap on managing stress God’s way with some practical biblical wisdom.

  • Start your day with prayer – Before checking your phone or diving into your to-do list, spend time with God. Even five minutes can set a different tone for your entire day. Pastor Scott talked about this this past Sunday!
  • Practice gratitude – When stress focuses our attention on what’s wrong, gratitude redirects us to God’s faithfulness. Keep a simple gratitude list or make it part of your daily prayers.
  • Find community – Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens.” You weren’t meant to carry stress alone. Connect with other believers who can pray for you, encourage you, and offer practical help.
  • Take care of your body – Stress affects us physically. Getting adequate sleep, eating well, and exercising aren’t selfish—they’re stewardship of the body God gave you.
  • Set boundaries – Jesus Himself withdrew from crowds and demands to spend time with His Father (Luke 5:16). It’s not ungodly to say no to some things so you can say yes to what matters most.
  • Remember your identity – Stress often makes us forget who we are in Christ. You are deeply loved, completely forgiven, and eternally secure. These truths don’t change based on your circumstances.

I am telling you this because I need to hear it!  I know that stress will never do away, at least, not in this world.  But how many times have you been stressed to the max but yet, God showed us His sufficiency?  The exact same God that calmed the storm for the disciples  will bring peace to your storm.  The same Jesus who cried with Mary and Martha in their grief, wants to comfort you.The same Spirit who strengthened the church in persecution wants to strengthen you in your pressures.  

You are not forgotten nor alone.  God will be in it with you and you can trust Him with whatever stressors you are facing.

Love you all,

Jennifer