Stressed or Rest?

Living With Stress

By Karlene A. Jacobsen 8/10/2021

Breaths come in rapid succession. My heart feels like it wants to escape my chest. If I could slow my racing thoughts long enough to sleep, I might find the coveted sensation of weightlessness as my mind eases its pace; but then, the dreams begin …

This is a common phenomenon brought on by stress. Too often, it is said, “I’m just a worrier,” or “Worry is my middle name,” as though the anxious mind is an inevitable and normal way of life that every person must endure at some point in time. Something that just needs to be managed.

Jesus knew we would be facing various levels of stress in our lives. His observation came with the promise, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He also encouraged people to avoid worry as no one can add one single day to their lives by indulging (Matthew 6:25 -27).

Worry and anxiety are generated by stressors: mortgages, car notes, student loans, jobs, family… life in general can be stressful. Consider this current pandemic. Individuals range in levels of stress from denial to hopelessness, panic, and dread. Stress is not a new phenomenon. Neither are the effects of stress on the human body.

Stress is a natural occurrence in life, and can be beneficial as an alert or warning system. However, there are physiological, psychological, and emotional repercussions of stress left unchecked. For example, physiologically, stress can result in high blood sugar, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, fertility problems, and risk for heart attack and stroke (AIS, 2020). According to the American Institute of Stress, there are 50 signs and symptoms of stress, each having some effect on the body.

Prolonged stress leaves the body in a constant state of fight or flight mode, and eventually, the noticeable, telltale symptoms will present irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, and insomnia (AIS, 2020). For these symptoms, it is common to reach for a bottle of relief, whether alcohol, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs.

As we age and delve deeper into our lives, our stress levels will not likely decrease. With this in mind, it is vital that our responses to stress are planned rather than reactions to the stressors. As people of faith, turning first to our God for wisdom is the first step to recovery for our bodies.

Take time to quiet ourselves before Him and seek His face, ask for direction. We can be confident that as we take our stressors to Him, peace and rest are waiting for us, as Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Scripture is filled with promises for rest, peace, and hope. As the stress builds, we can turn to Him and seek His help, His strength, and His wisdom. We don’t have to carry it alone. Isaiah the prophet said it well when he said, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). King David, also proclaims the Father’s promise: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22). Then Peter reassured us as he exhorted us to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

As we go to Him for wisdom and direction, He may guide us to a physician for assistance with therapies, whether counseling or medication. But we can always be assured that His ways are for our benefit.

American Institute of Stress (2020). Stress effects. Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/stress-effects