What we know and believe and how we react to the pressures of life will determine how successful we are in overcoming them.
2 Corinthians 4:9 (NLT) | We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
What is stress? Stress is being stretched beyond your limits. Are you stretched beyond your limits? It is over-extending yourself without adequate time for recovery. Stress is believing you should do more than you should do (a false belief).
Stretched beyond your limits: Do you feel that you’re being stretched beyond your limits? Pause and reflect.
Overextending yourself without adequate time of recovery: Could it be you’re going from one thing to another thing to another thing without a static rest or break? Pause and reflect.
Believing you should do more than you should do: You should do nothing, but you believe that you should be doing something. Pause and reflect.
The Effects of Stress
The key of controlling stress is to know that you’re experiencing it.
Physical - tension headaches, stomach discomfort, getting sick often, high blood pressure, muscle tension/back pain, fatigue and low energy, weight loss/gain, off sleep patterns. “75-95% of all visits to primary care offices are related to stress disorders.” (American Institute of Stress)
Emotional - irritability, indecisiveness, depression, a lack of concentration, lack of motivation, lack of confidence
Behavioral - overeating, moodiness, minimal productivity, angry outbursts, change in sex drive (married couples), social withdrawals (physical or physiological), nervous breakdown, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
> Point: When suicide becomes the option or the solution, then Jesus for you is not enough, and the word for you is not true.
> Scripture: John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”.
> Explanation: So there is an abundant life for every person regardless of the negative pressures/situations you might feel. Jesus says he is the way to this life. When people think of suicide, it’s because they do not see a way to get beyond the pressure they’re experiencing. So Jesus says, I AM the way, so there is always a way out. No matter what a situation may be, Jesus says he is the way and that the truth is the bridge.
Spiritual - apathetic toward scripture, tempted to give up, not sure that God cares, loss of confidence in God’s ability and willingness to help you.
The Major Causes of Stress
Stress can be the result of the daily grind, and it’s not always the result of major events.
Crisis – the death of someone who is significant to you, the separation of a relationship, an accident, or an injury
Conflict – a poor or dysfunctional relationship
Change – transition in our environment, employment, career, or financial status. Retirement, empty nest, or blended families
Concern – personal chores/responsibilities (responsibilities to your spouse or children, chores around the house, work, or bills) or concern for others
Competition – jealous or envy of others, the need to outperform others in a positive sense (needing to keep up)
3 Proof-Texts that this Pressure-Proof Life is Possible
1. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV : This is a tree whose trust in the Lord, that they will not be afraid when the pressure comes. They will not be anxious in the year of drought. They will be fruitful in times of stress and pressure.
2. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 : He was in a situation and it was so full of pressure and stress, that it was beyond measure. It was beyond human strength. He realized that there was so much pressure, that no human strength could overcome it so he could not look to himself. So instead, he trusted in God. Paul realized that will be situations that will be beyond our human strength. God does not intend for us to handle it by ourselves.
3. 2 Corinthians 4:9 : Paul says, we’re pressed on every side but we’re not crushed.
If you’re crushed because you have pressure, it’s because you’re trying to handle it in human strength. When we don’t know what to do, God does. We’re hunted down, but
God never abandons us.
Say this aloud, “No pressure, I can handle it!” – Mike Moore
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Enemies to Peace - Stress by Mike Moore
Enemies to Peace - Suicide by Mike Moore
8 Keys to a Productive Life by Mike Moore
