5 Ways To Lower Your Stress
Everyone is stressed. Few know how to deal with it God’s way.
How do I increase my capacity to deal with my stress God's way? (Watch full message)
1. Our capacity increases when we allow our bodies and minds to recover.
Everyone has ability. The question is, "Do you have recovery time?"
Best selling author Johan Hari said this, "We need to talk less about chemical imbalances and more about the imbalances in the way we live."
So what do we do?
The Bible prescribes a SABBATH. Here's what Scripture says, “You have six days in which to do your work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to Me.” Exodus 20:9-10 GN
What makes a great Sabbath?
- Don't work
- Take a nap
- Hangout with people you love
- Eat great meals
Take a day & honor the Sabbath.
2. Our capacity increases when we know who we are.
You are defined by one of the following:
- Who God says you are
- Who the enemy says you are
- Who others say you are
- Who you say you are
Eleanor Roosevelt said this, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
You have to be careful of your inputs. Maybe it's time to get off social media, unfollow some people, or get in your Bible more.
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV)
If you have narratives in your head that are wrong, you are going to increase the stress in your life.
When you know who you are, you can experience the peace God wants for you.
3. Our capacity increases when we know what we were created to do.
Do you know who the happiest people are?
- They aren’t the people who have less problems.
- The happiest people have something to do that matters!
- Their problems are not the focus of their life.
- Their purpose is their focus.
At Purpose, we have GrowthTrack which is designed to help you learn how God has wired you so you can live the life God has for you. You can find more information by clicking here.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11 NIV
What sticks out in that verse? You will never stumble.
If you had a guaranteed way to not stumble, what would you do? You would take it.
Focus on your purpose not your problems.
4. Our capacity increases when we are supported by others.
How is the church described in Scripture?
- Fellowship
- Brothers & Sisters
- Family
- The Body of Christ
- Flock
Christianity isn’t an individual sport. You need to find your people.
This is why we have Groups. You can find more information here.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 NIV
We are better together. You are going to need help.
Researchers say we are the LONELIEST society in human history.
How are they proposing we improve this? It's through two ways:
- Find people to join
- Do something meaningful to do together
The Bible calls this the church.
Get engaged in the community. Life is better together.
5. Our capacity increases when God is helping us.
Most people do life on their own.
God wants you to do life with others while also relying on Him.
He can do more for you in a second than you could do for yourself in a lifetime.
Your greatest peace will come from God.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
This may be the last point, but it's the most important one.
The peace you're looking for is found in the Prince of Peace.
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