Life as a Christian Woman

Stress: 1) A specific response by the body to a stimulus, as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism. 2) Physical, mental or emotional strain or tension.

We live in a stressful world, in stressful times. Turn on the television and see scenes of war played out across the world. Drive through neighborhoods and see foreclosed homes up for auction. Enter a hospital and see friends and families awaiting word on their loved ones.

We can’t avoid it. Stress is a part of daily life, whether we are caught in traffic or worrying about paying bills. And just because we are Christians does not make us immune to stress. For early Christians, stress was the rule rather than the exception. But as Paul spoke in Romans, God can use this stress to strengthen and develop us, to grow our faith and dependence on Him.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us — they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. Romans 5:3-4

But how blessed we are! In our times of stress, we can turn to our Father. No mediator, no facilitator, just us… face to face with God.

I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62: 1-2.

When we turn to God, He will comfort us, taking our worries upon His mighty shoulders. We rest in God’s strength, what more do we need?

We are told in Philippians that we need to use prayer to communicate with God about our worries and concerns. When Paul wrote these verses, he was sitting in prison, yet telling his readers to rejoice. In his words we learn that we don’t need to let our outer circumstance dictate our inner attitudes. Paul was filled with joy because, while he sat in jail, Jesus resided in his heart.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Allow the peace that God gives freely to guard your heart against anxiety and stress. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in the absence of conflict or in happy feelings. It comes when we know that our God is in control. It is a special contentment that we, as followers of God, are blessed to be able to receive.

Our minds determine our thought patterns. If we allow our thoughts to dwell on the negativity of a situation, we will become mired in the muck and mud of the world. Instead, replace those useless thoughts with prayer and praise. Paul implores us to program ourselves to think on things that are good, true and pure.

I know that all of this is easier said that done. But Paul, while a special man chosen by God, is no different than you or I. We are all God’s children, and He loves us and wants to comfort us. If God provided this comfort to Paul as he suffered through jail and persecution, He will do no less for us.