12 Ways Christians Can Relieve Stress
- Heather Adams Contributing Writer
- Updated Aug 01, 2023
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
We live in a world that is filled with all sorts of pressures. Each of us can probably give recent examples from our own lives. In those tension-filled moments, we need healthy ways to find relief.
I’ve felt physical effects of stress first-hand - tight neck muscles, digestive issues, headaches and more. The mental and emotional repercussions have been just as troublesome. And for most of my life, I dealt with them by quick fixes such as junk food, extra TV time or complaining. None of those brought any lasting help.
But there is a better way, one we don’t have to figure out on our own. Jesus warned His Disciples that they would have to deal with trials during their time on earth. And He went on to give the remedy that will bring both momentary relief and lasting peace.
Our Stress Mechanism
God actually designed our human bodies to handle a certain amount of stress, because in ancient times people faced an ongoing need to find basic necessities like food and shelter, along with avoiding possible attacks from enemies or wild animals. He equipped them with what’s called the “fight or flight” response.
When this is activated, the brain sends messages to different parts of the body to be ready for quick action - whether that means standing up against a threat, or retreating from it. This function was very effective in keeping mankind alert and alive.
But our stressors are mostly of a different variety now. Though we may deal with those immediate issues, we also live with a more constant undercurrent of anxiety either within us or around us. And because our bodies still function much like those of our ancestors’, that fight-or-flight response is constantly activated. So, many of us live with a higher level of stress most of the time.
People in the Bible Who Faced Stress
It can be comforting to realize that even those we call heroes of the Bible dealt with various stresses. As we look at their accounts, we can clearly see that their faith was crucial in helping them find relief.
Before David became king, he faced the giant Goliath, and was hunted down by King Saul. As a ruler, he led armies into battles, and later dealt with the rebellion of his own son. By using his gifts as a writer to compose songs to God, David gained a lift to his spirit in the midst of turmoil.
Daniel, while in exile in Babylon, defied a decree to worship the King. Instead, he boldly continued his practice of praying to God, and was sentenced to being fed to lions. By expressing trust in God, Daniel experienced rest during a harrowing encounter.
Queen Esther, told of a plan to kill off the Jews in her kingdom, braved petitioning the King, which could have resulted in her own death. By fasting and reaching out to her people for prayer support, Esther received a touch of peace as she took a very risky step.
Joseph was sold off by his brothers and was taken to Egypt. There, after initial success, he was wrongly imprisoned for several years. By staying in God’s plan for him every day, Joseph found comfort, even in frustrating circumstances.
Paul was struck down by Jesus on a trip to persecute Christians. Later, he confronted all sorts of danger and mistreatment as he fulfilled his new mission to preach about Jesus. By sharing the Gospel message, Paul felt a joy that strengthened his heart in each trial.
Jesus came to earth to live among men. He withstood misunderstanding and ridicule by the religious elite of His day. And after only three years in selfless ministry, He faced a horrifying death at the hands of the Romans. By seeing God’s amazing plan ahead of him, Jesus was able to withstand the worst of treatment.
The lesson in these examples is that our Heavenly Father is the source for our peace. The more we live with Him and for Him, the more that peace will settle in our hearts and minds, no matter how the world presses in on us.
7 Ideas for Immediate Stress Relief
I’ve come to see that through God’s strength, I can break the hold stress has on me when it hits. And sometimes, the simplest things are the most effective. Here are some ways I’m learning to handle those tense moments:
1. Reading God’s Word
This gives me His perspective on how to handle life.
“Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight” (Psalm 119:143).
2. Sharing my burden with a friend
This reminds me that He provides the support I need to release stress.
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25).
3. Spending some time in nature
This reminds me of His goodness and His ability to make a way through troubles.
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures … May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works…” (Psalm 104:24, 31).
4. Lifting up a prayer
This connects me to my Heavenly Father and all His grace to go through stresses.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
5. Helping someone else
This helps me to see His bigger plan and to reach beyond myself.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
6. Write about my problem
This calls to mind times God has delivered me from troubles and raises my spirit.
“Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth” (Job 19:23-25).
7. Taking a physical and emotional rest
This lets God minister to me so I make better decisions about how to respond.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my sou.” (Psalm 23:2-3).
5 Ideas for Lasting Stress Relief
We all want to cool down that fight-or-flight response that ignites so often, and God wants that as well. But in order to live out His best for us, we must seek to live according to His commands and to become more like Jesus every day. Some bigger principles that I’ve been trying to follow include:
1. Staying aligned with God
This leads me to trust in His Ways more.
“The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22).
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
2. Simplifying my life and finding contentment each day
This keeps my focus more on God and less on myself.
“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content” (Psalm 131:1-2).
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have…” (Hebrews 13:5).
3. Taking good care of myself in body, soul and mind
This makes me stronger to meet challenges in a Godly way.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).
4. Valuing my relationships with others and growing in love
This fills up my heart and pours more of God’s grace into me.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
5. Being slow to judge and quick to forgive and showing God’s love
This teaches me to show more of God’s kindness and wisdom in situations.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19-20).
God Comforts Us
Stress may be a challenging reality of life, but with God’s help we can stand against the negative effects it causes us. He vows to comfort and equip us if we look to Him. I’m always encouraged by reading the promises about this in His Word. Here is just a small sample to consider - you can find many more:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shake.” (Psalm 55:22).
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1-2).
“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).
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
Our Heavenly Father is waiting to guide us to a place of calm in the midst of stressors. Let’s ask for Him to lead us there.
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