When your computer starts freezing up, you know it’s time to turn it off and reboot. When a warning light flashes on the dashboard of your car, you wouldn’t dream of ignoring it. When the clock starts to lose time, you know what time it is – it’s time to change the batteries! But the serious point here is that all of these things have warning signs that alert us to a problem and prompt us to do something about it. And it’s the same with stress – stress overload doesn’t appear overnight; there have probably been warning signs for several days, weeks, or even longer. The problem is that we can ignore them, push them aside because we think we’re too busy to deal with them right then, or not recognise them for what they really are. But God doesn’t want us to live in a place of stress. Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (John 14:27 NIV). If we’re feeling overwhelmed with stress, it’s important that we get help from someone we trust, a doctor, or another medical professional who can support us. But God gives us some strategies as well. When we notice the warning signs of stress, or feel it building up inside us, we can: 1) Pray about it. ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God’ (Philippians 4:6 NIV). 2) Hand it over to God. ‘Cast you cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken’ (Psalm 55:22 NIV).

What Now?

Start making a collection of Bible verses that will help you trust and refocus on God during times when you feel your stress level building up. Why not share your favourites in the comments to encourage others who are feeling stressed at the moment.