Stressthe dictionary describes it as "mental, emotional, or physical tension; strain, distress." I would add to that "feeling pressured or upset". It is a condition that most of us are all too familiar with. Everyone is under stressit is a normal part of everyday life, and none of us can get through a day without experiencing it in one way or another.
We live in a fast-paced world that seems to be placing more demands on us with each passing year. People are hurrying everywhereand often they are rude and short-tempered. Many people are experiencing financial stress, marital stress, and the stress of raising children. There is mental stress on the job, and often, physical stress caused from overwork. Many times, this stressful lifestyle causes health problems, which only adds more stress.
Our bodies were created by God to withstand a certain amount of stress, but when we push ourselves beyond our limitations, then we begin to experience problems. Are you pushing yourself too hard? Many people today are living in a perpetual state of overloadliterally on the verge of collapse. They just keep stretching themselves to the limit like a rubber band...until one day they SNAP.
It seems that the very atmosphere or the world is charged with stress and pressure. But the good news is that, as Christians, although we may be in the world, according to John 17, we are not of the world. We don't have to operate on the world's system, reacting like the world. Our attitude and approach should be entirely different. The world responds to difficulties by being upset, but Jesus said in John 14:27 that we should stop allowing ourselves to be agitated, disturbed, and upset.
This verse indicates that we need to have a change of attitude. I have noticed that the right attitude and approach to a situation can completely turn a situation around. If I approach something in dread, I am setting myself up for misery before I begin because dread creates stress. But if I refuse to dread or have a negative outlook, I open the door for God to work supernaturally and help me. The choice is mine.
Jesus didn't promise that we would never have to deal with stressful situations. In John 16:33, He said, ...In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] This verse teaches that we don't have to react to stress the way the world does. Because Jesus has deprived the world of its power to harm us, we should be able to approach the challenges we face in life in a calm and confident manner.
Luke 10:19 says, Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Here Jesus is telling us that He has equipped us to overcome the world's system. Even though we will be faced with trying and stressful situations that will not always be easy to handle, He assures us that nothing can defeat us if we handle things the right wayHis way!
An important factor in enjoying a peaceful, stress-free life is to learn to be obedient to the Lord. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit in obedience will always lead you into peace. He will never lead you into stress, because He is the Prince of Peace. Common sense tells us that God is not going to stress us out and lead us to do more than we can dowe often do that ourselves.
It is so important not overcommit ourselves. Do you have too much to do? This seems to be the number one complaint I hear today. "There is just too much to do and not enough time to do it all." This is often the result of not saying "no" often enough. Sometimes we say "yes" and commit ourselves to doing something that we really don't want or need to be doing. We take it on just to keep other people happy. We really need to be careful in this area. We need to be sure that our mouth is not saying "yes", when our heart is saying "no".
We also need to be sure that we're not overextending ourselves by trying to do too many things that we want to dowhether it's a part of God's plan for us or not. If we are doing something He has not approved, He is under no obligation to give us the energy to do it. I believe one of the major reasons why many people are stressed and burned out is because they are going their own way instead of following God's plan. We need to follow the leading of the Spirit as to what we are to be involved in and where we are to use our energy. We must learn to say "yes" when He says "yes" and "no" when He says "no. When we" are obedient to His leading, we will be able to accomplish what He gives us to do and walk in peace.
To be honest, we are not really that capable of running our own lives. That is why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct us. Romans 8 says we are to be led by the "prompting" of the Spirit. I can remember numerous times when I was tired and the Holy Spirit prompted me to rest, however I would continue to push myself to go out or to have company. Then I would end up exhausted, instead of just being tired. As you know, exhausted people usually get grouchy and impatient, which I became. And this often caused strife in our home ... which even led to more stress. If I had been obedient to the prompting of the Spirit, the entire problem could have been avoided. Obedience is exalting Jesus above our own natural, selfish desires. Are you exhausted ...or is Jesus exalted? I really believe obedience is the key to victorious, healthy, happy and peaceful living.
Another important lesson I've learned is "to bend so I will not break." The Bible says, ...readily adjust yourself to [people, things]and.. if possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:16, 18). Before I made the Word of God a priority in my life and decided to live an obedient life, I had to have my own way. I was not adaptable. I wanted everyone else to adapt to me. Of course, that resulted in more strife and stress. I have now learned to bend. it is not always easy on the flesh to give in and do things differently than we had planned, but it is easier than being upset and miserable.
A prompting is a "knowing" down inside of you that lets you know what you should do. The prophet Elijah referred to it as a "still, small voice". While you may not hear an audible voice, I believe you can sense God's wisdom giving you direction in certain situations.
I remember one time when I had been shopping for several hours, and I was getting very tired. I had only purchased about half of the items I intended to buy, so I kept pressing on. I heard the prompting of the Spirit within me telling me to stop and go home, but because I hadn't accomplished my goal, I didn't do it. Even though the other things I intended to get were not immediate needs, I didn't want to leave until I had accomplished the goal I had set for myself. As I pushed myself beyond the point of being tired, it became difficult for me to think clearly. And then I began to be impatient with other people. Even after I finally went home, I was out of sorts, and it affected my time with my family.
If I had obeyed the prompting of the Spirit and gone home to rest and relieve the stress, I would have felt so much better and the situation at home would have been much more pleasant. We can avoid many stressful situations simply by obeying the Holy Spirit's prompting.
Burnout comes from physical and emotional exhaustion, especially as a result of long-term stress. When stress depletes our body, our immune system becomes weak and sickness (even depression) can set in. Signs of burnout include; extreme fatigue, headaches, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, tensions. Other manifestations may also be; nerves tied in knots, unable to relax, and the doctor can't find anything wrong. Emotional exhaustion (crying easily), anger, negativity, irritability, depression, cynicism, and bitterness about the blessings of others can still be considered as burnout syndrome.
Burnout causes you to be "out of control" and no longer producing good fruit. Ignoring God's laws causes burnout. You cannot overwork your mind, emotions, or your body and not eventually pay the price for excessive abuse.
Whose pace are you moving at? Are you keeping the pace God has set for you or someone else's pace? Are you stressed out from trying to keep up with everyone else? Are you living under the stress of competition and comparison? Are you a perfectionist with unrealistic goals?
I believe we can live stress-free in a stressful world, but it will require some decisions, which can possibly be radical. Allow God's Spirit to lead you out of a stressful lifestyle and into one of peace and joy. Respect your body. Treat good health and feeling good as a valuable gift. Do not waste the energy God has given you on stress. Save it for living and enjoying life.
Here are some wise instructions from God's Word to make the practice of peace a part of your everyday life. First of all, Be still! Hush. Stop all the rushing around. Psalm 46:10 says, Be still, and know that I am God. (KJV). The creator of the universe wants a word with you, but how can He really talk to you if you're always on the go? Chill and listen!
Second, prepare your heart to receive from Himto hear His voice on a regular basis. oh, that they had such a [mind and] heart in them always [reverently] to fear Me and keep; all My commandments, that it might go well with them and with their children forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29). Can you hear the earnestness in God's voice as He makes that statement? Finally, acknowledge Him in everything you do. Make it a lifestyle to be identified with Jesus Christ and faithfully be a doer of the Word. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, KJV).
