Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a struggle that many face in our society. It can feel overwhelming and confusing to look for advice and techniques to cope with it. The Bible offers powerful wisdom and comfort for those facing stress in their lives:

• Take time to rest (Matthew 11:28-30, Deuteronomy 5:13)
• Let go of rage and anger and offer forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32)
• We need friendship and community (Proverbs 27:9, Galatians 6:2)

We Need Each Other

While the world tells us to practice mindfulness, the Bible tells us to fill our minds with the encouraging words of Scripture:

• Psalms 119:11 - "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

Another common way that the world encourages us to deal with stress is through self-care. While we seek to take care of ourselves and find stress relief, we can’t forget about the importance of having a community in our lives.

• "Love others as you love yourself" (Matthew 22:39)
• "Carry each other's burdens" (Galatians 6:1–5)
• "Love one another" (1 John 4:7)

We were made for community. We were not made to do life alone. We need people to walk alongside us, encourage us, and point us toward hope when life is stressful and overwhelming. Hope and joy can also be found in encouraging other people as they handle the stress in their life.

Finding Peace

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that we can take our anxiety and our troubles to Jesus and find peace. When we turn to Jesus, we find peace and we find rest.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Following Jesus does not mean that all of our struggles and stress are gone forever, but it does mean that we can find peace and hope in the middle of the chaos of life. We will have stress, but the Bible gives us wisdom as to how to handle it and Jesus offers rest and comfort.