Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a struggle that many face in our society. It can feel overwhelming and confusing to look for advice and techniques to cope with it. The Bible offers powerful wisdom and comfort for those facing stress in their lives:

• Take time to rest (Mathew 11:28-30 and Deuteronomy 5:13)
• Let go of rage and anger and offer forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32)
• We need friendship and community (Proverbs 27:9 and Galatians 6:2)
  

We Need Each Other

While the world tells us to practice mindfulness,the Bible tells us to fill our minds with the encouraging words of Scripture (Psalms 119:11). Instead of emptying our minds, The Bible encourages us to fill our minds with the promises of God, His teachings, and His love for us.

Another common way that the world encourages us to deal with stress is with self-care. Making sure you're taking care of yourself and taking time for rest, eating healthy, and taking care of your mind and body is very important. While we seek to take care of ourselves and find stress relief, we can’t forget about the importance of having a community in our lives

While we pursue self-care, we must not forget about other people. The Bible teaches us to “Love others as you love yourself” (Matthew 22:39), carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:1–5), and to show each other love (1st John 4:7).

We were made for community. We were not made to do life alone. We need people to walk alongside us, encourage us, and point us toward hope when life is stressful and overwhelming. Hope and joy can also be found in encouraging other people as they handle the stress in their life.

In a community, we find hope, love, and peace as we come alongside and encourage each other.

 Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that we can take our anxiety and our troubles to Jesus and find peace. When we turn to Jesus, we find peace and we find rest. 

Finding Peace

Following Jesus does not mean that all of our struggles and stress are gone forever, but it does mean that we can find peace and hope in the middle of the chaos of life. We will have stress, but the Bible gives us wisdom as to how to handle it and Jesus offers rest and comfort.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33