Three Bible Verses to Help You Handle Stress

If you’re anything like me, you have multiple tasks, projects, or responsibilities going on simultaneously.  All these tasks are vying for your attention, and everything seems to be the top priority.

During a typical week, I give my employer 40 hours, work on growing ReeINSPIRED, type bible study, and Women at the Well lessons for my church, ensure my kids are completing their homework and passing their classes, spend time with hubby, ensure bills are paid, and a lot of other stuff.  It’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out.  When I’m stressed, I tend to get headaches, consume a lot of junk food, and forget stuff.

I was talking to a friend recently who expressed work-related frustration and stress.  My heart went out to my friend because I’ve felt the same way.

Does this sound like you too?  Do you have so many responsibilities that you sometimes just want to throw in the towel and walk away from it all?

Since we can always go to the Word of God for encouragement and strength in our times of need, I sought the Lord for tips on handling stress because there are answers in Him and His word for us.

Seek Him Early

Psalm 63:1 tells us to seek Him early.  The first thing we should do when we awaken in the morning is seek Him.  Seeking Him and listening for His voice gives us the direction and answers we need for the daily problems we’re bound to face.  God prepares His people.  He will provide you with the perfect scripture in the morning for something you may not encounter until the afternoon.  So make sure you seek Him early to get the help you need to face the day.

Talk to Him in Prayer

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to take everything to God in prayer.  EVERYTHING, not just what we classify as the big things.  I go to God about menstrual cramps, headaches, financial problems, my husband, children, grandchildren, church…EVERYTHING.  I talk to Him about my job and the amount of stress I often feel.  I ask Him for wisdom and strength to accomplish the things on my plate.  I also ask Him to help me weed out what He hasn’t graced me to do.  I urge you to do the same thing.  You aren’t a superwoman.  You can’t do everything, but you can certainly pray about everything.

Talk to Someone

I love James 5:16.  I know the verse says to “Confess your faults one to another…,” but I confess my faults and frustrations, aches, and pains to people I trust.  I’ve picked up my phone and spoken to my Pastor about difficult co-workers.  I’ve asked for prayer about my job, marriage, children, and any important decisions I need to make.  The next part of James 5:16 says, “…and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” Quite frankly, holding everything in isn’t healthy, and many of us need to be healed from the frustration and stress we’re experiencing.  So, find that person you can talk to and talk with them.    Talking with a trusted friend is a great way to relieve stress and get the answers you need.

Woman of God, you do not have to walk around frustrated and stressed out.  The word of God, when applied to your life, will help you handle the stress you’re experiencing.  Frustrating situations will continue to occur, but you’ll have God’s joy and peace in the midst of them.  Don’t let frustration and stress get you down.  Have faith in God and know that your help is in Him.

~Aretha