Dealing with Stress

How much stress do you have in your life? One study found the following characteristics common among those who are experience high levels of stress.

• Plans day unrealistically

• First to arrive, last to leave

• Always in a hurry

• Makes no plan for relaxation

• Feels guilty about doing anything other than work

• Sees unforeseen problem as a setback or disaster

• Is always thinking about several other things when working

• Feels need to be recognized and overextends because of this

The overwhelming consensus among many is that stress is directly related to the amount of work that you do and the importance of that work. So, while stress steals the joy of living and hampers our walk with God, many of us sense the need to have more of it since we believe it to be a sign of success and importance. Renowned Christian counselor and psychologist, Dr. Gary Smalley, explains that stress is so deadly because it literally causes the release of adrenaline and cortisone within the body, adversely affecting our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. These act as an acid which deteriorate our well-being. He defines stress in the following way—“Stress is the gap between your expectations about any particular thing and the reality of that thing.” For instance, if in a garage sale you are expecting to sell an item at the price of $20, but instead that item only sells for $1, then your level of stress is the $19 between!

While the constant presence of pressure and difficulty within this life is to be expected (John 16:33), the manner in which we manage this will greatly impact our marriage, our children, our church, and ultimately, our relationship with God. Are medications and vacations the only feasible way in which we can manage the overwhelming responsibilities which we daily face? Are the dangerous effects of stress inevitable, especially for one who is a faithful worker in important work?

In the opening chapter of Mark, the disciples make a statement to Jesus which is loaded with the potential for stress. After Jesus had separated Himself for a time of solitude, Peter finally found Him and frantically exclaimed, “Everyone is looking for you” (Mark 1:37). This is certainly the calling card of stress. If there was anyone who was busy with important work, certainly it was Jesus. Yet, we never find Him, even in His human frailty, experiencing the adverse effects of stress. This short passage (Mark 1:35-39) seemingly provides insight which can help us cope in the same manner. Note that there are three things in particular which Jesus does to handle His stress.

1. Jesus made the practice of solitude a priority. While serving on missions in Central Asia, our missionary leader instructed us with the following invaluable advice—“When you are tired, the godliest thing you can do is rest.” This may not mean a vacation or even an abdication of commitments, however, we must daily spend a few moments alone with the Lord so that we can experience the rest that only the Lord of the Sabbath provides.

2. Jesus was constantly in prayer with His Heavenly Father. Jesus’ expectations were not based upon other’s opinion or even His own urges. Jesus found satisfaction in His Father’s will alone. Jesus’ expectations were never unrealistic because they were shaped by His loving Father.

3. Jesus was singularly devoted to His mission with God. Jesus was clear about the priority of His calling and never diverted. While we may have many responsibilities, what is our calling?

Laying Down my Yoke and Taking Up His,

Jason