Living With Stress

October 1, 2000

Medical science has classified stress as the No.1 factor that leads to all kinds of maladies, chief among them being heart disease.

Our physical bodies do not understand that pressure in the work place.  What it does understand is that the body is anxious and in a state of apprehension, so the body is thinking: "This guy has to either run fast to escape the threatening circumstance or he is going to have to fight for survival!"

Then the body produces adrenalin to enable the person to "flee or fight."  When this adrenalin is not being used, it has to go somewhere. It is assimilated in the body, causing disease.

Though stress has been around a long time, it seems to be more prevalent in this technological age. Those who strive to be millionaires at 40 find themselves burning out at 30. Fortunes do not mean much when faced with loss of health or family.

There are ways to deal with stress. Obviously, flooding the body with alcohol, tobacco or drugs is a losing battle, causing more stress and pain for everyone.

A proper diet with exercise keeps the body fit, enabling it to withstand disease.  Drinking lots of water, even more than the recommended "eight glasses a day" hydrates the body and eliminates toxins.  Pursuing a hobby gives relief and relaxation from everyday stress.  All of these are great "stress busters," yet there is one that is greater!  Faith in God and the right attitude reduces stress and enhances healing.

All through the Old Testament, you will find those heroes of faith who met and overcame insurmountable odds. Their total dependence was upon their God who never once failed them. Even in the direst circumstances, when everything looked impossible, those ancient men of faith clung to their God.

God's Abrahamic covenant reminds us: "He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations" (Psalm 105:9) NIV. 

When Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, God turned that into a victory: "But Joseph told them, 'Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil, for he brought me to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people'" (Genesis 50:19-20) TLB.

When Queen Esther put her life on the line to save her people this brave statement displayed her trust in God: "...I will go to the king, even though it is against the law, And if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16) NIV.

The New Testament contains numerous Scriptures for the stressed out weary soul. Some of my favorites are:

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

"Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6).

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Colossians 3:15).

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

Even though I am not a physician, please allow me to prescribe the following treatment: "Take God's Word daily with thanksgiving and prayer. In times of discomfort, increase the dosage. May refill as many times as needed."