Harnessing Stress, Monday, March 22, 2010

How Can We Channel Stress to Work for God's Glory and Our Good?

Stress can cause a host of emotional, spiritual, and physical problems.  None of us, however, can avoid stress completely.  The key is not to eliminate stress, but to handle it in a way that is godly and productive.  Holly G. Miller, in her article for TODAY'S CHRISTIAN WOMAN, said if stress is carefully harnessed, it can create positive results in our lives.  These results include increased productivity, greater effectiveness, and renewed energy.

How can we harness stress to make us more productive?  What is the difference between stress and worry?  How do we deal with the stresses of life without it affecting our physical, emotional, and spiritual health in a negative way?  Is it possible stress can be good for us?  How can we glorify God despite our stressful circumstances?  This study will explore these issues.

Based on:

"Positively Stressed," by Holly G. Miller, TODAY'S CHRISTIAN WOMAN, July/August 1998, Vol. 20, No. 4, Page 74.

Scripture:

Joshua 1:1-18          Esther 4:6-17                          Matthew 14:3-23
Romans 8:28           2 Corinthians 11:22-12:10       Philippians 4:4-9

Identify the Current Issue

We live in a stress-filled society.  Multitasking is a way of life.  We are often trying to balance our job with raising kids, attending extracurricular activities, carpooling, community service, volunteering, and working in the church.  When we add to our busy schedules health issues, caring for others, and the trials of life, we can feel overwhelmed.

Stress is inevitable.  It is often caused by circumstances that we cannot avoid or control.  Worry, however, is a spiritual and emotional response to stress that drains energy and can create a host of problems.  When we cast our cares on Jesus, he gives us the strength to endure and persevere through difficult times.  In this way God is glorified, and we can accomplish God's will in our lives, despite the circumstances.  By God's grace, we can channel stress to work for us instead of against us.

Discover the Eternal Principles

Monday:  Meditating on God's Word reminds us that God is always with us, and that he gives us the courage and strength to accomplish His will in all circumstances.  Joshua 1:1-18

1. What is the difference between meditating on God's Word and simply reading it?  How does meditation help us apply God's Word to our lives?
2. How did Joshua call the Israelites to demonstrate courage and obedience?  What was their response?  Why was it important for Joshua to call the people to obedience and courage as God had called him?  How might their unity of purpose have helped them conquer the Promised Land?
3. Joshua harnessed his stress and began the task by breaking it down into manageable steps.  How does breaking down a task and focusing on one step at a time help us reduce stress?  How do we do this without losing the big picture?
4. Joshua also delegated responsibility to those under him.  How do you think this might have helped him?  How might it have helped the Israelites?  How do we decide what and when to delegate?
5. God promises believers that he is with us wherever we go and that he will never leave or forsake us.  What does that mean to you?  How does this promise help you to have courage in times of stress?
6. Have you ever had a time when fear kept you from conquering something God called you to do?  What blessings may you have missed?  What could you have done differently?