How do you Deal with Stress?

How do Christians deal with stress, especially around Christmas time? The time when we are supposed to be celebrating Jesus.

Stress tends to creep up on us when we're tired, sick, stuck in traffic, when we're running late, or when we've taken on too many responsibilities. When circumstances are out of our control, we feel stress. When our basic needs are not being met and our safety is threatened, we feel stress. These issues only increase at Christmas time, causing heightened levels of stress. Which is why, for the month of December the weekly prayers will focus on stress management. (To learn more about the weekly prayers, read 52 weeks, 52 prayers).

Stress, worry, and anxiety for Christians can take on many different forms, but in general, stress boils down to one idea: lack of trust in God. Ouch! Most Christians share the belief that God is sovereign and in control of life. Most Christians believe that God is the author, protector, and provider of life. So, when stress dominates life, that means that somewhere along the way we have failed to trust God. It's very easy to say, "Just trust God more and you won't deal with stress anymore." Yeah right! It's not that easy. Life is much too complicated, and we are much too vulnerable in our sinful nature for that to be true. Yet, for Christians, stress does have a positive side. It can be a mirror, or a reminder, that our lives have drifted away from God. It can be used as an indicator that we have stopped depending upon God for daily strength.

The Bible mentions many practical principles that can be used to avoid stress including regular rest, a proper diet, keeping balance in life, striving for peace with others, daily meditation on the word of God, having a thankful attitude, and prayer.

Obviously, we will be focusing on fighting stress with prayer through the month of December, the rest of the principles, such as rest, proper diet, and having balance in your life are nearly impossible during the holiday season, and that is ok (for the short term). It just means that your prayer life needs to be in overdrive. :)

This month the weekly prayers will also feature an added bonus. In addition to posting a new prayer each week on my website, Facebook page, and Instagram (@abbyshroka), I will also be posting them here on my blog, along with a SHORT devotion (I know you're busy busy busy right now)!

Wishing you all Health, Hope, & Happiness
Abby