Resting in the Promises of God Through Stress

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Clutter litters my apartment, assignments pile on my desk, and my calendar is practically bursting with penciled-in events I don’t have time for.  My bank account deducted another $4 for my third coffee run of the week (I rarely drink coffee), and I’m going through more concealer to hide the evidence of the late nights I stay up working. 

It’s mid-October, which is another word for mid-semester.  It’s the time of year every student feels like they’re drowning in projects and suffocating with tasks they don’t know how to do or when they’ll find the time to do it.

“Stressed” is an understatement.

Stress is the direct result of thinking I need to have every problem solved immediately.  It comes at a time when I’m overwhelmed with emotions and weighed down with pressure.  It’s the plague of peace and the thief of sleep.  It’s situations I allow to exhaust my mind and my thoughts.

I find myself stressed when I’m stuck in one of three situations: I feel overwhelmed, I have to depend on someone else, or I fear what I don’t know.

I stress because I attempt to take situations into my own hands and handle them in my own strength.  Every time I find myself in this position, it leads to exhaustion, confliction and aggravation (my mom also receives 20 phone calls from me somewhere in between those emotions).

Stressful situations come frequently as the unwelcomed guest no one invited.  It raises too many questions and comes with delayed answers.

I stress when I feel overwhelmed because I’m looking at my calendar, and I feel like there isn’t enough time in the day.  How am I going to fit everything?  It won’t get done.

I stress when I have to depend on someone else to do their part because I would rather attempt to do everything myself.  Will it get done the way it needs to be and at the right time?  I’m doubtful.

I stress when I don’t know something because it’s hard to trust the outcome.  Will the hard work and effort I put into studying get me the grade I need?  The pressure is scary.

When I’m thinking these thoughts, it is crucial that I lay down what I’m doing and ask God for the help I need in His strength.  I cannot attempt to do things only God can do.

But where I say, “It can’t get done.”  God says, “It will get done.”

Where I say, “It’s doubtful to happen.”  God says, “It will happen.”

Where I say, “I’m scared.”  God says, “I’m here with you.”

I came to the conclusion that I get stressed when I’m looking at my to-do list more than I look at my Bible.  I invite emotions of anxiety and fear to consume my thoughts more than the peace of God.

Stress comes when I question the process.  Peace comes when I trust the One who goes before me and will be there to guide me through every step.

The real problem is that I fail to remember God is faithful.  His truths are constant and His promises are secure.  When I look back at things I thought were impossible, I see where God made it possible.  He guides, and He provides.

Resting in the promises of God is helpful, but there are also tangible ways to deal with stress in our lives:

1. Take a walk or go for a run.  It helps clear your mind and allows you to work off the negative feelings.
2. Step outside.  Fresh air helps change an attitude.
3. Create a to-do list.  Make a list of all the things you need to get done and physically check off things as you complete them.  The checking off is really satisfying!
4. Weighted blankets (my personal favorite) are the best investment EVER.  I recommend this to literally anyone and everyone.
5. Take it one step at a time.  We get so caught up in the big picture.  Focus on the task in front of you.
6. Meditate on Scripture.  It helps to see the promises of God written down and lived out.  This is evidence He works and IS working.
7. Give yourself grace!!!

Don’t let stress steal your joy.  Our life is too precious to be spent worrying about temporary things when we serve an eternal God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

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