Brittany shares four tried and true tips to deal with stress as recommended by Scripture and therapists.
“…The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5b-7 ESV
We all have stress, be it with family or friends, at work, or health-related (physical, mental or spiritual). We all have it, and Jesus tells us all to give it to Him. But how?
Fortunately for us, God has given us an entire book full of wisdom to help us shed our anxieties.
This list of biblical tips to manage stress and anxiety is in no way exhaustive. But, they are the tips my therapist suggested to me to help me deal with anxiety, trauma, and stress. Even better, they are backed by Scripture. I pray they will help you as much as they have me.
God’s tips on how to deal with stress:
1. Pray
I’m not talking about quick little prayers asking God for strength, protection, or patience, but heart-aching, down-on-your-knees, this-is-all-I’ve-got prayers. Use every ounce of emotion and imagination you have and picture Jesus as vividly as you can.
Imagine Jesus sitting across from you at your kitchen table, standing next to you in front of the mirror with His arm wrapped around you, or holding you tightly against His chest. Think of what He would smell like. Feel His breath tickle your hair. Hear the beat of His heart next to your ear. Paint this picture with as much detail as you can and then talk with Him.
Pour out your heart, let the tears flow, and finally, listen to Him. Listen to what He has to say and rest in the moment. Let Him wrap His arms around you like a flannel blanket on a chilly fall morning. You might come out looking like a mess, but your soul will be renewed.
2. Speak Scripture Over Yourself
God loves to hear His Word spoken back to Him. Nancy Guthrie once said that this is one of the reasons God gave us the book of Psalms, so we will say it back to Him. Whatever Scripture you choose, God will use it.
Like a graceful surgeon, He will wield this sharp, two-edged sword to separate every anxious, cancerous thought from your body.
As you speak His powerful Word, sync your breath to its rhythm. Let the emotions it evokes take root in your heart. Watch its light obliterate the darkness as it sinks into your bones. Keep reciting every bit of Scripture you know until you can do nothing but praise the Lord. Feel the freedom work its way through every muscle as you embrace your anxiety-free body.
Embrace it all, and then dance. Dance in joy, dance in freedom, dance in thanksgiving as God washes away the anxiety and stress.
3. Engage Your Senses
When you intentionally slow down enough to notice your surroundings, your brain can ground itself and wiggle its way out of the “I’m in danger” zone. So in those moments of panic, stop and notice the world around you. God created it all and gave you the senses and ability to experience it.
Try this grounding technique:
– What can you smell? Hear? Touch?
– Take your hand and place it on your chest. Begin to tap with a little force and somewhat quickly.
– Then, as you take deep breaths, gradually lessen the intensity and frequency until your hand comes to rest.
– You can also lay your palm face down on top of your thigh and slowly move it around in circles.
– Again, take long, deep breaths as you do; inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth.
– You can pray and/or recite Scripture as you do either motion.
These small tactile movements engage your mind and naturally slow your thoughts and heart rate. As you do, your mind realizes you’re no longer in danger and is open to the Holy Spirit’s calming presence.
Breath Prayer Downloadable
4. Use Your Gifts
God gives each of us specific talents and burdens that strike our hearts. Use them, either through a hobby or by intentionally helping someone else.
Enjoy reading, drawing, assembling puzzles or gardening? Do it! Better yet, set aside time each week and devote yourself to it. Don’t just dabble here and there whenever time permits. Do it with purpose!
Another way to use your gifts is to apply them in a way that benefits others. Have a heart for single moms, disadvantaged youth, the hungry or the elderly? Research local organizations that serve them and get involved. Jesus tells us it’s a blessing to give, and what better resource to give than of your time?
Like a graceful surgeon, He will wield the sharp, two-edged sword of Scripture to separate every anxious, cancerous thought from your body.
Stand with Jesus (because He stands with you)
All of these tips take time and intentionality, but they’re worth it. Not to mention, they’re strategies mental health professionals suggest to their clients and, most importantly, they’re biblical.
Satan will try to convince you that you don’t have time, there are more important things you could be doing, God doesn’t want to hear from you, or it just won’t work, but remember, Satan is the Father of Lies.
He’s also smart.
He knows the power of prayer and God’s Word, so He will do whatever He can to keep you from them. He knows the strength Jesus received when He spent time alone with the Father, so he will deploy his minions to keep you from doing the same. He knows God blesses those who help others in His name, so he will throw his fiery darts to block your path.
In the name of Jesus, don’t let him! Take back your time, mind, and heart and say with authority, “Not today, Satan!” He won’t be happy, and he definitely won’t give up without a fight, but you have Jesus on your side, plus a slew of tools in your tool belt. All you have to do is take a stand with Jesus and use them.
Brittany Ulman (Platoon 24) is the founder of the Jesus Connection, a ministry with a mission to equip 20 somethings to be disciples. She is also a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at Snap Fitness in Greenville, Ohio, and a substitute multi-tasking ninja (a.k.a. teacher). For more about the Jesus Connection, visit thejesusconnection.info or check it out on Facebook and Instagram.
One Response
AMMAZING INFO !! Thank you so very much for your heartfelt God fearing info … I am Soo in need of this !!! Can’t wait to read more !!!