Get a Handle On Your Stress
Using Promises From the Bible to Give You Peace
Life can be stressful. Between work, family obligations, financial pressures, and health issues, it's easy to become overwhelmed. When you feel buried under the weight of it all, it's important to pause and regroup. One of the best ways to find peace in the midst of chaos is by reflecting on comforting Bible verses. A quick reminder of the peace that God offers is and the invitation he extends for us to cast our burdens on him, can be very helpful in dealing with the everyday pressures of life.
Finding Time To Rest
There’s a famous scene in the Bible where Jesus feeds 5000 people. When that miracle has played out, Jesus notices that his disciples have been very busy taking care of the large crowds and they haven’t had a chance to take care of themselves.
In Mark 6:30-31 we read:
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”
—Winnie the Pooh
Isn’t it remarkable that Jesus had an attitude towards His disciples that rewarded them for their service and their sacrifice by inviting them to take a load off and rest? In fact, all throughout the Gospels we read about Jesus taking time away from the crowds to have time of rest and solitude. It’s a great example for all of us to follow. And I would imagine that if we’re being honest, we might admit that a great deal of our stress is exasperated because we don’t take adequate time to decompress.
Letting Go of Your Worries
I don’t know about you, but I can find myself stressed about things I can’t control. I’m at that age where my kids are out of the house and it can stress me out that I don’t always have the ability to manage what they are doing. My wife and I got a late start on our retirement planning and the fact that I don’t think we have what we need for the future can create stress.
And while I can “do things” that might impact the outcome of those areas of my life, I really can’t control them.
Matthew 6:34 says,
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
This reminds us that much of our stress is self-inflicted as we agonize over future events that are out of our control. Jesus tells us not to obsess about what might happen down the road. Instead, we need to take things one day at a time. When your mind spins with "what-ifs" and you play out disastrous scenarios about problems that haven't even occurred, you heap needless anxiety onto yourself. This verse urges you to focus only on the present. Deal with what's right in front of you today; tomorrow can wait.
This may sound unrealistic - how can you not worry about impending bills, job issues, health crises, etc? The key is trust. You have to trust that God will equip you to handle whatever arises when the time comes. But flooding your mind with fretful thoughts accomplishes nothing except stealing your joy. When you catch yourself projecting ahead with dread, pause and pray. Ask God to help you release the uncertainty and focus only on what He has called you to do right now. The future will unfold on His timing, not yours. Meanwhile, keep your eyes fixed on each 24-hour chunk and tackle one day's troubles at a time.
James 1:12 echoes this message: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
This affirms that trials and testing will come; it's inevitable. How we respond is what matters. Do we crumble under pressure or draw strength from God to withstand adversity? Difficult seasons will strengthen our faith if we persevere. With an eternal perspective, James reminds us to not give up. Stay steadfast in trusting God and you will be rewarded.
When stress comes and worry sets in, reciting these verses can reorient your focus. God does not promise to shield us from hardship. But He does assure us that with His help, we can withstand any challenge. We simply need to trust in His sovereignty, take things one step at a time, and not allow anxiety about the future to steal today's joy and peace.
Practical Tips for Managing Stress with Scripture
Beyond memorizing go-to verses, there are tangible ways to apply God's Word when you feel overwhelmed by life:
1. Start a gratitude journal. Each day, write down 3-5 things you're thankful for. It shifts your mindset from lack and fear to abundance and blessing. As James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above." Even on bad days, you can find gifts to count.
2. Take a break from social media and news. Their incessant negativity fuels anxiety. Spend time in nature or silence instead. As Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." Listen for His gentle whisper when the world gets loud.
3. Pray Scripture out loud. Speaking biblical truths we need to hear builds our faith muscle. Verses on protection, peace, hope, and strength realign our minds with God's perspective.
4. Journal or color inspiring verses. Handwriting or visually engaging with Scripture helps cement its promises in your heart. You can recall them more easily when anxiety strikes.
5. Share verses with friends struggling too. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up," 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us. God's Word is multiplied when given away.
6. Listen to worship music based on verses that encourage you. Hearing biblical truths put to song can imprint them even more deeply. Make a playlist for rough days.
7. Do a Bible study on finding peace. Dive deep into passages on God's sovereignty, hope, patience, and perspective. Don't just skim comforting verses - study them in context.
8. Make graphics with key verses to post around your home/office. Surround yourself visually with God's promises. Let them be a mantra when stress hits.
The Bible is a powerful weapon against anxiety and fear. When life feels out of control, God's Word can reorder our perspective. Memories verses about hope, pray Scripture aloud, and immerse yourself in biblical truths. God is bigger than any stressors you face. With Him as your firm foundation, you can walk through any storm one day at a time. By keeping your eyes fixed on Him, not your circumstances, you'll find peace and purpose even in troubled times.