Faith is the Cure for Stress

2) Society- We worry about our ability to keep up with the neighbors. “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2).

3) The enemy – The devil plants worry and doubt in our minds through any means necessary (television, music, dreams, etc.).  “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

We all have stress and anxiety. I think what is important is how we deal with that stress. A little bit is natural and no problem.  It can be helpful and protect us from dangerous situations.  But when chronic stress is experienced, the body makes more of a drug known as cortisol than it has a chance to release.  And that is a bad thing.  Because stress can kill brain cells and even reduce the size of the brain.  Chronic stress has a shrinking effect on the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. And yes, sadly, stress can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and death.  I have seen people consumed by stress and you probably have too.

If you want a cure for stress, learn to look to God to meet your needs. We should never put your security in anything that can be taken away. We can lose a job, health, spouse, but you cannot lose your relationship with Christ. These are all fine but can all be destroyed. God certainly wants us to have a good job, health, and family. However, if our identity is based on these things then that is bad because of the fragile nature of anything earthly.  The Word teaches us in Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Every time you start to get stressed out, pause and say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).  God has promised in the Scriptures that he will meet your needs. We honor that promise when we walk with Him in faith.