Introduction

Good morning, church family! We all know that life can be full of pressures, right? There's work-related stress, family issues, financial problems, health concerns - the list goes on and on. We all experience stress in one form or another. The question is, how do we handle it?

Today, we're going to unpack what the Bible says about stress in Matthew 6:27-34 and Philippians 4:6-7. We'll take a look at where stress comes from, how we can deal with it, and where we can find the strength to overcome it.

The Source

Stress, in its most basic form, is a response. It's a reaction to the demands and pressures that life throws at us. It's a survival mechanism that has been hardwired into our biology, a way for our bodies to prepare for potential threats. But in our modern world, this survival mechanism can often be triggered by non-life-threatening situations, leading to chronic stress that can have serious implications for our health and wellbeing.

Can be traced back to various aspects of our lives: It could be work-related, stemming from the pressure to meet deadlines, achieve targets, or navigate office politics. It could be family-related, arising from conflicts, financial difficulties, or the challenges of parenting. It could be health-related, due to chronic illness, injury, or the fear of disease. It could even be self-inflicted, as a result of our own perfectionism, self-doubt, or the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves.

In the Bible: We see that stress is not a new phenomenon. Even the apostles, who walked with Jesus, experienced stress. They faced persecution, they had disagreements, they struggled with doubts and fears. But the Bible also shows us that God is aware of our stress. In Matthew 6, Jesus acknowledges the worries that his disciples have about their basic needs - food, drink, clothing. He doesn't dismiss these concerns, but rather, he points them to a different perspective.

Our internal response to these pressures: It's about how we perceive and interpret the situations we find ourselves in. Do we see them as threats, as insurmountable challenges? Or do we see them as opportunities for growth, as stepping stones towards our goals? Our mindset plays a crucial role in determining our stress levels.

The Bible offers us a different perspective: In Philippians 4, Paul encourages us not to be anxious about anything, but to present our requests to God. This doesn't mean that we won't face stressful situations, but rather, it's about how we respond to these situations. Instead of allowing stress to consume us, we are to bring our concerns to God, trusting that He will provide for our needs.

Doesn't have to control our lives: We have a choice in how we respond to the pressures we face. We can allow stress to overwhelm us, or we can choose to trust in God, to seek His peace, and to find strength in His promises.

The Solution

The solution to stress, as outlined in the scriptures we read, is multifaceted ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO