As humans, we have natural, psychological responses to stress. Sometimes we get so buried that we completely shut down, or, even more commonly, we get stretched so thin that we get angry at ourselves, the person we decide is responsible, or the situation that we’re in and take it out on others.
Why do we always seem to react to stress in the same way even though we may recognize it? Why can’t we control your emotions? We keep dealing with the same issues but with different people, different circumstances and can’t understand how we can always be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes we even play the blame game and use the people around us or the situation we’re in as an excuse for our reaction.
The way we respond to stressful situations has the ability to severely hinder, or severely accelerate our spiritual and emotional growth and maturity.
Too much stress is often times a direct result of not fully trusting in God. We get too busy to spend quality time building a better relationship with Him and we often forget that He is with us and we can overcome anything that comes our way.
Stress is not caused by those around us, it is caused by the story that we tell ourselves. This story is often absent of the simple solution of trusting that God will not present us with anything that we can’t handle. This story is fueled by our worldly, human nature which can be an indicator of the enemy’s influence on our lives. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Our responsibility for dealing with stress is to be prepared. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11) Balance your spiritual life like you balance your time at the office or with friends. Make time to grow by seeking the Lord in new and different ways. Make Him a bigger part of your life than ever before. Lean on Him more, and when stress comes, calmly stand, and trust that He will never present you with an obstacle too big for you to overcome.
God’s command to us is to stand. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. (1 Corinthians 15:58) The Bible tells us that there will be trials. These trials are opportunities for us to step up to the plate. God wants us to stand firm in His truth and be available to be used by Him in whatever situation we are presented with. When we give up and run, we fail the test and take the problem with us.
He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:29-30)