Stress

A state of personal anxiety, strain or tension resulting from the pressures of human life. Scripture indicates a number of causes and means of dealing with stress.

The experience of stress

Psalm 38:8; Mark 14:33–39 parallels Matthew 26:37–44, Luke 22:39–462 Corinthians 1:8 See also Job 6:2; Psalm 77:2; Jeremiah 4:19; John 12:27, John 13:21; Hebrews 5:7

I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.

He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing.

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

Possible causes of stress

Disobedience to God's will

Deuteronomy 28:65 See also 2 Samuel 24:14 parallel 1 Chronicles 21:13; Psalm 38:4; Matthew 14:9 parallel Mark 6:26

Among those nations you will find no repose, not even a resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a despairing soul.

Family ties

1 Corinthians 7:33 See also Genesis 21:11, Genesis 43:6; 1 Samuel 1:6–16

But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife,

The burdens of leadership

2 Corinthians 11:28 See also Numbers 11:14; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Hebrews 13:17

Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Threats of injury or violence

Lamentations 1:20 See also Genesis 32:7; 1 Samuel 28:5; 1 Kings 19:1–2; Esther 7:4; Psalm 56:1–2; Jeremiah 19:9

See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am churning within; my heart is pounding within me, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is death.

Unjust leaders

Exodus 5:19; Nehemiah 9:37

The wickedness of others

1 Kings 19:14 See also Romans 9:2–3; 2 Peter 2:7–8

“I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”

Academic study

Ecclesiastes 1:13

The effects of stress

Proverbs 12:25; Matthew 13:22 parallels Mark 4:18, Luke 8:14 See also 1 Kings 19:3–4; Psalm 31:9–10; Luke 10:40–41

Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.

The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Appeals to God in stressful situations

Psalm 102:2; Jonah 2:2 See also 2 Samuel 22:7 parallel Psalm 18:6; 2 Chronicles 20:9, 2 Chronicles 33:12; Psalm 4:1, Psalm 25:17, Psalm 106:44, Psalm 120:1

Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call.

saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice.

God comforts believers under stress

Psalm 94:19; Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7 See also 1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 107:6, Psalm 119:143; John 14:1, John 14:27, John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 4:8–10; Philippians 4:6

When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.