The document discusses how stress can negatively impact physical health and provides biblical principles for coping with stress. It notes that the Bible teaches we should focus on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, and praiseworthy. When facing overwhelming problems or stress, the Bible instructs us to pray, spend time in nature, and find healthy activities. It also promises that God will comfort us in times of trouble and provide peace. Even in very difficult, stressful situations, God can give us strength and help us endure through prayer.
2. If you are like most of us, you are feeling some
stress from circumstances in your life.
Sometimes the stress we face feels unbearable. But
even daily stress can take a toll.
3. Medical professionals tell us stress is a killer, it can
lead to.
● heart disease
● strokes
● obesity
● depression
● And many more
4. My story of stress
● Misty’s brain aneurysm
● God telling Misty it would be alright
● Dialysis
● Transplant
5. What Does the Bible Say About Coping With
Stress?
● The Bible is God's instruction manual for life.
● It provides the answers and gives us comfort,
peace and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
6. Can the Bible really show us how to deal with our
stress, regardless of our situation? Yes it can!!!
Let's look at some specific biblical principles that
can help us cope with stress.
7. Does God show us how to reduce stress?
Philippians 4:8
8. Philippians 4:8 ASV
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things
are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any
praise, think on these things.”
9. Philippians 4:9 ASV
“The things which ye both learned and received and
heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God
of peace shall be with you.”
10. When negative experiences and situations are
coming at you, and when it seems overwhelming,
then stop, take a deep breath and simply take time
to focus on something lovely and good.
Overcoming stress starts with the ability to control
our thoughts. We need to focus on the positive,
uplifting things of God.
11. Things you can do
● Step away and pray
● Enjoy God’s nature
● Find a healthy activity to help decompress
12. Can God help if my problems seem overwhelming?
Psalms 61:2-3 NIV
13. Psalms 61:2-3 NIV
“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as
my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is
higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong
tower against the foe.”
14. Even if we can't change something, God can. Do we
believe that?
Have you ever thought about asking God to help you
change a situation that is causing you stress?
15. How can I find comfort in dealing with the trouble
and stress in my life?
16. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all
comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that
we can comfort those in any trouble with the
comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
17. 2 Corinthians 1:5-6 NIV
“For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings
of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through
Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort
and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your
comfort, which produces in you patient endurance
of the same sufferings we suffer.”
18. 2 Corinthians 1:7 NIV
“And our hope for you is firm, because we know
that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you
share in our comfort.”
19. God promises to comfort us in our times of stress.
Part of coping with stress is learning to put it in the
right perspective.
20. Can I expect my life to be more peaceful if I ask
God for help?
21. Numbers 6:22-23 NIV
“The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons,
‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to
them:”
22. Numbers 6:24-27 NIV
““ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you and be
gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you
peace.” ’
“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I
will bless them.””
23. The Good News: God is always there to bestow
peace onto his followers.
24. Peace is part of the fruit of God's Holy Spirit
(Galatians 5:22).
25. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things
there is no law.”
26. Is there hope even if I feel like I've reached my limit
in a very serious, stressful situation?
27. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
“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.”
29. Consider biblical examples of people facing severe
trials.
● Job
● Esther
● Jonah
Whatever the trial, when they asked God for help,
He provided the strength and help for them to bear
it.
30. Jesus Christ Himself was "in agony" and "His sweat
became like great drops of blood falling down to the
ground" as He prayed before His crucifixion (Luke
22:44).
31. Luke 22:41-44 NIV
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them,
knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing,
take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be
done.” “An angel from heaven appeared to him and
strengthened him.”And being in anguish, he prayed
more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of
blood falling to the ground.”
32. God sent an angel to strengthen Him, and God will
strengthen us as well when we ask.
