How to Relieve Stress the Biblical Way (Part 2)

Stress is more common than ever–even among Christians. In fact, 75% of pastors report feeling extremely stressed. 

While stress is a part of life, it doesn’t have to be the norm.

I recently shared a set of 4 Biblical keys to relieving stress. These included: trust in God, focusing on the present, staying grateful, and seeking peace. These are all powerful and effective. But this list wouldn’t be complete without sharing three additional keys. 

In the following article, I’ll explain how to relieve stress through letting go of burdens, meditation, and community.  

1.  Let go of your burdens
2. Meditate on God's Word
3. Find support in community

1. Going Deeper: Let go of your burdens

Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Letting go of your burdens is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy spiritual life and reducing stress. Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest. He promises that when we take His yoke upon ourselves, our burdens will be lighter, and we will experience peace and rest for our souls. Here are some ways to let go of your burdens based on Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30:

1. Recognize your need for Jesus:

Acknowledge that you cannot carry your burdens on your own and that you need Jesus' help and strength. This recognition can help you develop a posture of humility and dependence on Him (John 15:5).

2. Bring your burdens to Jesus in prayer:

Be honest with Jesus about your struggles, worries, and fears. Share your concerns with Him in prayer, trusting that He cares for you and wants to help you (1 Peter 5:7).

3. Surrender control:

Letting go of your burdens involves surrendering control over your life and circumstances to Jesus. Trust in His wisdom, love, and power, believing that He can handle your concerns better than you can (Proverbs 3:5-6).

4. Take on Jesus' yoke:

Accept Jesus' invitation to take His yoke upon you, which means submitting to His guidance and direction in your life. This involves seeking His will, following His teachings, and relying on His strength (Matthew 11:29).

5. Learn from Jesus:

As you take on Jesus' yoke, make an effort to learn from His example of gentleness and humility. Cultivating these qualities can help lighten your burdens and bring you peace (Philippians 2:5).

6. Rest in Jesus' presence:

Find solace and comfort in Jesus' presence by spending time in prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. Allow His peace to permeate your heart and mind, providing rest for your soul (Psalm 62:1).

7. Share your burdens with others:

Connect with fellow believers who can support and encourage you, helping to lighten your load. Be open to receiving help, and be willing to help others in their time of need (Galatians 6:2).

8. Remember Jesus' promise:

Remind yourself of Jesus' promise that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Trust that He will provide the strength, wisdom, and resources you need to navigate your challenges (Isaiah 40:29-31).

By practicing these steps, you can let go of your burdens and experience the rest and peace that Jesus offers. As you surrender your worries and concerns to Him, you can find strength and comfort in His presence and guidance, ultimately leading to a lighter, more peaceful life.

2. Going Deeper: Meditate on God's Word

Joshua 1:8: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and Successful."

Meditating on God's Word is a powerful practice that can help you grow spiritually, gain wisdom, and find peace in the midst of life's challenges. By regularly reflecting on Scripture, you can deepen your understanding of God's will and strengthen your relationship with Him. Here are some ways to meditate on God's Word based on Joshua 1:8:

1. Read Scripture daily:

Make a habit of reading the Bible every day, even if it's just a few verses or a chapter. Regular exposure to God's Word will provide you with a wealth of material for meditation (Psalm 1:2).

2. Memorize Scripture:

Choose key verses or passages to commit to memory. Having Scripture stored in your heart and mind will make it easier to meditate on and apply to your daily life (Psalm 119:11).

3. Reflect on the meaning:

As you read and memorize Scripture, take time to reflect on its meaning and relevance to your life. Ask questions, make connections, and seek understanding through prayer and contemplation (Psalm 119:15).

4. Apply Scripture to your life:

Consider how the biblical principles and teachings can be applied to your current circumstances, relationships, and decisions. Reflect on how you can live out the Word of God in your daily actions (James 1:22).

5. Pray over Scripture:

As you meditate on God's Word, pray for guidance and insight. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding and help you apply the truths of Scripture to your life (John 16:13).

6. Use different methods of meditation:

Try various approaches to meditating on Scripture, such as journaling, visualization, or lectio divina (a method of reading, reflecting, responding, and resting in God's Word). Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you (Psalm 143:5).

7. Share with others:

Discuss the insights you gain from meditating on God's Word with friends, family members, or fellow believers. Sharing your reflections can help deepen your understanding and provide encouragement for others (Colossians 3:16).

8. Be consistent:

Meditating on God's Word is most effective when practiced consistently over time. Make it a priority in your daily routine, and you will reap the benefits of spiritual growth, wisdom, and peace (Psalm 119:97).

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can develop a habit of meditating on God's Word, which will ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of God's will and a stronger relationship with Him. As you immerse yourself in Scripture, you will find guidance, comfort, and strength to navigate life's challenges and grow in your faith.

3. Going Deeper: Find support in community

Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." By applying these principles, you can find peace and overcome stress through faith, trust, and reliance on God's promises.

Finding support in community is an essential aspect of the Christian life and an effective way to manage stress and navigate life's challenges. God designed us to live in relationship with others, and being part of a community allows us to give and receive support, encouragement, and guidance. Here are some ways to find support in community based on Galatians 6:2:

1. Join a local church:

Connect with a local church or faith community where you can worship, learn, and grow together with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).

2. Participate in small groups:

Engage in Bible studies, prayer groups, or other small group gatherings where you can develop deeper relationships and share your life with others (Acts 2:42).

3. Offer support:

Be willing to help others by listening, offering encouragement, praying for them, or providing practical assistance. As you support others, you'll often find that you also receive support in return (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

4. Be vulnerable:

Share your struggles, doubts, and fears with trusted friends or members of your faith community. Opening up allows others to support and encourage you in your journey (James 5:16).

5. Seek counsel and guidance:

When facing difficult decisions or challenges, seek the advice and wisdom of more experienced believers who can provide guidance and support (Proverbs 15:22).

6. Pray together:

Join with others in prayer, both for personal concerns and the needs of the community. Praying together strengthens your faith and fosters a sense of unity and support (Matthew 18:19-20).

7. Serve together:

Engage in acts of service, both within your faith community and in the larger community around you. Serving others can help build strong relationships and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment (1 Peter 4:10).

8. Encourage spiritual growth:

Support one another in your spiritual journey, challenging and encouraging each other to grow in faith, knowledge, and obedience to God's Word (Colossians 1:28).

By actively participating in a faith community and nurturing relationships with fellow believers, you can find the support and encouragement you need to navigate life's challenges. Carrying each other's burdens is a fundamental aspect of living out the law of Christ, and it fosters a sense of unity and love within the Christian community. As you both give and receive support, you'll experience the strength and comfort that comes from being part of the body of Christ. 

These 3 strategies “complete the list” of my Biblical principles to coping with stress. I hope you have found this helpful and encouraging!