What Does the Bible Say about Stress and Is it a Sin?
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Have you ever pondered the question “What does the Bible say about stress and is it a sin?” Whether young or old, our bodies and minds can become weary and overloaded with worry and stress. What does the Bible say about stress and is it a sin?
Am I sinning each time I am stressed? Does the Bible say stress is a sin? Does the Bible address stress? We read about sins and how we are called to repent. But what happens when stress takes over? The Bible is filled with God’s messages and guidance. Reading His Word can help answer the question of “What does the Bible say about stress and is it a sin?”
What Does the Bible Say about Stress and Anxiety, Is There a Difference?
The alarm clock alerts me to another busy day. The loud buzzing sound calls me to jump out of bed, turn off the alarm and begin the morning routine. There have been days when my “to do” list was filled to the brim with activities for home, family, friends, church, and more. One important lesson I have learned when dealing with stress is that if I am not rested and peaceful, I can’t give my all to any project or person.
I often use a notepad to write down my daily activities. Checking them off one by one as they are completed brings me peace. If all items on the list are not completed, I have learned to remind myself that I can continue the list the next day.
Yet I still find myself stressed if everything I had intended to complete that day isn’t done. Instead of focusing on what I did accomplish, I tend to focus on what was not finished.
That mindset brings stress. Heart racing fast, breathing becomes rapid, hands begin shaking, and my body has an overall feeling of disappointment.
Does the Bible say I am sinning because I am stressed? No. There are no specific verses that say being stressed is a sin.
There is hope found in Scripture throughout the Bible (Matthew 11:28 NIV). What a joy to know comfort and peace can be found by going to God in prayer. Sharing conversation with the Father can bring the needed peace and can calm the stress in our bodies.
Is there a good kind of stress? Perhaps a bit of stress can help us focus better on various projects. Perhaps for some people stress can motivate. Other people thrive better in a stress-free environment. Although we may prefer to live stress-free lives, we can learn valuable lessons from times of stress and then, be able to help others (James 1:2-4 NIV).
Scripture tells us to always lean into God, trust Him, and hand our concerns and stress to Him. He is always with us (Philippians 4:6 NIV).
Yes, there are differences between stress and anxiety. We may be stressed about a medical test, school exam, financial situation, or other scenarios. Anxiety can be physical and mental. There are times when anxiety needs a medical professional. As a person who has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks, I am thankful God gives wisdom to people so they may help those in need.
When I experience stress, I am able to remember that the stress will pass. Whatever is making me feel stressful will eventually be solved and life will proceed. I go to the Father when I am stressed. I go to the Father when panic attacks invade my body.
Do I feel filled with sin when panic attacks come? No. I know this is a medical condition that I, like many other people, have to deal with through seeking help.
God reminds us in His Word that we will have trials and tribulations, yet we don’t have to focus on those worries. We are called to follow Him, share His love with others, and give our worries to Him.
There are various ways to help our bodies become free of stress and anxiety. Reading His Word can help us understand the need for peace and rest. God created the Sabbath as a day of rest.
How many of us actually rest our minds and bodies on that day? Or do we continue to rush through life trying to prepare for the upcoming week?
Yes, there are things to accomplish, lists to be completed, goals to reach. When we place God first, we can find peace and calm knowing He is holding us in His loving arms.
Why Does Jesus Tell Us Not to Worry?
Jesus tells us not to worry. There are 365 times in the Bible where we are told to “fear not.” Fear of the unknown can cause stress and anxiety. Knowing what is happening or what will happen can cause stress and anxiety, too. Do you wonder where fear comes from? Fear is not from the Lord. Yes, there are times when caution is needed. During those times, we can look to the Father for guidance.
Jesus knows the love His Father has for His children. God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us (John 3:16 NIV).
Scripture is filled with words of wisdom and reminders to not worry. Peace is found in Him. Jesus knew His Father had a plan. When we worry, we are not placing our trust in the Lord. We are relying on ourselves. Yes, there are times when I forget to go to God first. In those stressful times, I don’t find peace. When I am worried, stressed, and filled with anxiety, if I go to the Father in prayer and ask for His help, I feel the peace only He can provide.
Scripture tells us not to worry about life, what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear (Matthew 6:25-27 NIV).
Jesus knew how the people lived. Some believed and others did not. Jesus preached the Gospel. He gave many opportunities for people to have a relationship with God.
Jesus followed the will of His Father. Even as Jesus was tortured, hung on the cross, and left to die, He knew the love of God.
When we give our worries to Him, we can have peace.
25 Ways to Reduce Worry and Stress Today
Pray. Ask the Father for help in reducing worry and stress.
Read Scripture.
Listen to worship music.
Sing worship music.
Study the words of hymns.
Take a walk outside. Notice the beauty of God’s creations.
Take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Do this several times.
Close your eyes.
Relax your shoulders.
Think about the body. Start at the feet and work your way up while relaxing each muscle.
Call a friend. Sometimes sharing conversation can help take our minds off of worry and stress.
Write in a journal. Use a specific journal for prayer requests and add praises when prayers are answered.
Contact a medical professional. There is no shame in asking for help from a professional.
Laugh out loud. Think about something funny and enjoy laughing.
Share time with toddlers. Their imagination and creativity can remind us of stress-free moments.
Let your loved ones know you are struggling with worry and stress.
Chat with clergy. Many churches have Stephen Ministers or lay pastors that offer help.
Walk away from the computer. There are times when we need a break from emails and news.
Make a “to-do” list. Mark off each item as it is completed.
Remember we are not called to solve every problem in the world.
Make note cards with Scripture verses about trusting in God. Place those cards where you can see them each day.
Smile. A smile can benefit the health of the body. Think about something that makes you happy.
Volunteer. Sometimes helping others reduces our stress and worry.
Read a book filled with hope.
Thank the Father for being able to go to Him when you are worried and stressed.
Worry and stress will come to all of us. Finding ways to cope with those issues is key to our spiritual, mental, and physical health. When we find ourselves filled with worry and stress, we don’t have to handle those feelings alone. God has equipped others to help us, and He has given us His Word to guide us along the way.
Guilt and feeling as if we have sinned because of having worry and stress is not from the Lord. He loves His children and wants only the best for each one.
Remember to go to God in prayer and ask for His help. Ask Him to provide wisdom, discernment, and revelation in each moment.
Blessings and prayers,
Melissa Henderson
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.