These days, most people are busy, competitive, and weary of repetitive daily lives. So, they often say they are stressed out. Many people are lethargic and have mental or physical diseases because of stress. They try using many ways to beat stress but those ways may not work or may work just temporarily.
Let's now look into the ways to overcome stress in faith.


1. Have a clear understanding of the value of your life and your goal

To overcome stress, you must understand where you came from, what you live for, and where you are going. Adam the first man was sent out from the Garden of Eden, because he sinned, disobeying God. Then all mankind came to live in diseases, pain, and sorrow, and because the wages of sin is death they came to reach death. But the God of love sent Jesus His Son to the earth and let us set free from the curse of the law (Romans 6:23) and gain eternal life by believing Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the resurrected Lord Jesus ascended to heaven and has been preparing beautiful dwelling places in Heaven for God's children (John 14:2-3). Therefore, you should be aware that this earthly life is just a preparatory course for eternal heavenly life.

God's saved children have already achieved a true victory with faith. Thus, they cannot just overcome stress but also can live in overflowing happiness and joy.


2. Let your quest made known to God by prayer and supplication

After the transgression of Adam, men came to eat from toil of all the days of life and women came to bring forth children in pain and be ruled over by their husbands. Because of sins, all mankind came to live in all kinds of problems.

However, when you commit everything to the Lord, you can have rest. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." But many people still rely on their own knowledge, wisdom, and experience. That is why they have not overcome stress yet, and sometimes they suffer from many diseases or accidents caused by stress.

If you believe that God who is almighty will solve all your problems, you will feel anxious for nothing and let your quest be made known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving in everything (Philippians 4:6-7). Such a person always gives thanks and rejoices, and then won't be affected by stress. Moreover, he or she can receive God's blessings and achieves a victory all the time.


3. Have a regular rest in spirit and body by keeping the Lord's Day

God created the heavens and the earth and all things in them for six days and had a rest on the seventh day. And He blessed men to be under His protection if they remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Thus, if you work diligently for six days and worship in church on Sunday, you can have a true rest. When you worship in spirit and truth, learn the Word of God, and make your spiritual bread of it, then your spirit will prosper and fatigue will be driven away from you.

Therefore, God's children can overcome stress when they keep the Lord's Day and have a spiritual rest. God promised in Exodus 15:26 that He would put none of diseases on them if they give earnest heed to His voice and do what is right in His sight and give ear to His commandments. By obeying God's command telling you to keep the Lord's Day, you can have a true rest, overcome stress, and receive blessing of good health and the prosperity of soul.


4. Develop internal power in the fullness of the Spirit

Jesus said in John 14:16, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever." Here, 'another Helper' refers to the Holy Spirit who dwells in the hearts of God's children who accepted Jesus Christ. He teaches the truth to them and helps them live as God's children.

During your life journey, you may face difficulties and sufferings, but you who have received the Holy Spirit can overcome any kind of stress in the Spirit's comfort. He gives you strength to pray as well. When you pray in His power, you will feel better even if you are tired due to hard work. You can also stop thinking you are tired. You can think, 'I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.' As said, if you receive the Holy Spirit and stay full of the Holy Spirit by prayer, you can develop internal power and triumph over any kind of stress.


Tip Self-Check

1. Some people cannot taste a great joy because they are passive and reluctant to take over an important job.
2. Others try to avoid a stressful situation itself. They do not want to face the reality, and just live in their own world. Many of them might be mentally unhealthy.
3. Still others face and overcome stressful situations. They can experience the joy of triumph in their lives.