STRESS

[rejoicevermore]

STRESS

I. Biblical references to "stress"

A. There are no Biblical references which use the word "stress"

B. This does not mean that the Bible does not address what we term "stress"

II. Towards a definition of "stress"

A. Physical science

1. In the study of physics, "stress" is the term used to refer to pressure brought to bear upon an object.

2. Also refers to result of such pressure in deformities, etc.; ex. stress- fractures, cracks.

B. Social science

1. In the study of psychology, "stress" is a term used to refer to the pressures brought to bear upon an individual by the situations and circumstances of life.

2. Also refers to the mental, emotional and volitional reactions to such pressures creating psychological distress and physical disorders.

III. Applying Biblical references to such sociological and psychological phenomenon

A. The external pressures of the situations of life

1. Examples of Biblical terminology

a. Circumstances - Phil. 1:2; 4:11(Phil.1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ; . 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.)

b. Trials - James 1:2; I Pet. 1:6; 4:12 Tribulations - Jn. 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3; 8:35(James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 1Pet 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptation; 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.)

c. Tribulations - Jn. 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3;

(Jn. 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Rom 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?)

d. Troubles - Ps. 86:7; Job. 5:7(Ps 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Job 5:77 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.)

e. Hardships - Job 10:17; I Thess. 2:9 (Job 10:17 Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war are against me. I Thess. 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.)

f. Ordeals - II Cor. 8:2; I Pet. 4:12(2Cor 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.1Pet 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

g. Difficulties - II Cor. 12:10(Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ

Edited September 26, 2004 by rejoicevermore

[other one]

And a lot of the time it comes simply from the lack of sleep........

[Born2BFree]

The Bible says much about Discipline and self-discipline and this topic defines

management of stressors.

[Orr v'emet]

Can you imagine how much stress would disappear if we kept our eyes on Jesus instead of the things around us?

[Kabowd]

Can you imagine how much stress would disappear if we kept our eyes on Jesus instead of the things around us?

I agree. Alot of times it boils down to a matter of perspective. Sometimes our problems (trials, stress, etc) seem so huge, but if we compare them to how big God is...they seem to shrink in His shadow. If you stand next to a skyscraper and look up, it makes you feel so small and overwhelmed. But if you get in an airplane and fly over it, that same building looks like a tiny toy. The closer we draw to God, the better perspective we have on things that trouble us. When we seek Him and cling to Him, He shows us things from His viewpoint and we realize how small they are compared to who He is.

[ayin jade]

Can you imagine how much stress would disappear if we kept our eyes on Jesus instead of the things around us?

Agreed, hence my quote in my sig line from Philippians 4:6-7. That is an amazingly true part of God's mercy on us.

[Born2BFree]

Can you imagine how much stress would disappear if we kept our eyes on Jesus instead of the things around us?

I agree. Alot of times it boils down to a matter of perspective. Sometimes our problems (trials, stress, etc) seem so huge, but if we compare them to how big God is...they seem to shrink in His shadow. If you stand next to a skyscraper and look up, it makes you feel so small and overwhelmed. But if you get in an airplane and fly over it, that same building looks like a tiny toy. The closer we draw to God, the better perspective we have on things that trouble us. When we seek Him and cling to Him, He shows us things from His viewpoint and we realize how small they are compared to who He is.

Amen!