Biblical Perspective On Stress And Worry

 "May you always be joyful in your life in the Lord.  I say it again: rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

Joy is a one of the spiritual fruit that is available to every Christian. Spiritual fruit is something that can be present in your life in spite of your natural circumstances, not because of them. The following are four simple steps you might consider.

Remember - the wisdom of God is foolishness to the natural man. God's ways are not our ways.

Step 1. Worry about nothing. yeah - right you say! It's biblical - I am not making it up.

"Do not be anxious about anything" Philippians 4:6

Here is an interesting definition of Worry :  Assuming responsibility for something that God never intended me to have.  Someone did research on what people worry about. 52% of the things you worry about never happen. 30% concern something that happened in the past. 10% are about insignificant - petty issues. 8% are for legitimate concerns. But all of it goes to God.

"casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" - 1 Peter 5:7

To relieve stress we must live one day at a time.

"Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough troubles of its own" - Matthew 6:34  

Step 2: Pray about everything. Take everything to the Lord in prayer

“But in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests  to God.” - Philippians 4:6b

There is no problem that is too big for God’s power or too small for God’s concern.

"You have not because you ask not …." - James 4:2  

Step 3: Thank God IN all things

“in everything, with thanksgiving" - Philippians 4:6

There is always something to be grateful for.

"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - I Thessalonians 5:18  

Step 4: Think about the right things.

“finally brothers, whatever is true .. noble .. right … pure … lovely …. admirable … If anything is excellent or praiseworthy … think about such things" - Philippians 4:8

Whatever I think about, I am becoming.

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" - Proverbs 23:7 

Do these things and you will have peace in your life - in spite of what is going on around you or what is happening to you.

"the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus" - Philippians 4:7

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone