The Physiology Of Faith - Class 6 Series

F. Stress

1. Worry, anxiety, and depression all ultimately emanate from stress.

Stress can be an external stimulus that signals danger, often causing emotional and physical pain. The stress of unresolved negative emotions such as anger, bitterness, hatred, and unforgiveness has been credited for up to 75% of all hospital stays. When you don’t forgive those who have caused you hurt or suffering for any reason, or even if you have experienced a painful tragedy, you will have great difficulty dealing with any stressful situation throughout your life.

XII. BREAKING THE FEAR CYCLE

The good news is that the stress cycle can be broken. Optimum Nutrition, a diet high in essential nutrients, plays a vital role. Eliminating stimulants such as coffee, soft drinks, tea, and alcohol can help. The adrenal glands can be supported through diet and supplementation to have the building blocks they need for repair and regeneration.

A. Stress caused by worry, anxiety, and fear can be traced back to the underlying root: Lack of trust!

Your spirit, mind, and body can be healed by learning to trust God, which is a choice only YOU can make. You can either let go, repent of your behavior, bad habits, and negative thought processes, forgive those who have hurt you, and give your life entirely to Him, or you can hold on to it and suffer the spiritual, emotional, and physical consequences.

Note: Please see the addendum “How to manage the physiological effects of fear through proper nutrition”

B. Stress Reduction Plan

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV)

1. Daily Joy

a. When you are sad, depressed, and stressed, you should pray. And when you are happy, you should “sing songs of praise” (James 5:13).

b. It takes a willful decision to sing and make melody in your heart to be happy in the Lord. “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16)

c. Whether you are feeling afraid, depressed, anxious, or bothered by some annoyance, you can exercise your ability to rejoice.

d. Encourage yourself in the Lord by recounting all the good things you have been given through Christ:

His strength, His wisdom, His identity, His love, His purposes, His power, His truth, His ability to overcome temptations, His perspectives, His peace, His patience, His kindness, His gentleness, His faithfulness, His self-control, and His plans for your life. When you saturate your life with praise to the Lord, life gets better, and things change!