Sermon Info
Summary
We live in a culture increasingly defined by stress, anxiety, and chaos. How can we flourish as followers of Christ in such a world? Scripture gives us clear ways on how to manage stress and not be managed by it. Jesus gave a perfect example of how to handle stress and live in such a way that is not defined by chaos, but by peace, courage, and confidence.
Content
Dealing With Stress
None of us can claim to live stress-free lives. Whether it be due to our jobs, family, the pandemic, or football, we all face stress. We need to accept that elimination of stress will never happen. Instead, we need to realize there is a way to overcome the effects of stress. For a believer, we become overcomers when we humbly accept our situation, and bring our troubles and worries to God, trusting that He will act on our behalf. Humility is key; we cannot trust God to help us if we do not relinquish control of the situation. Pride tells us we can handle this, and our desire to look “good” and “in control” often prevents us from humbly accepting our situation. However, the more arrogant we are, the more stress we create for ourselves. Peter rightly instructs us in the order of action key to relieving stress: humble ourselves before God; then hand over our burdens to Him, remembering His love. Jesus is our supreme example; His life was filled with interruptions, criticism, and needy people clamoring for His time. He constantly looked to His Father for strength, and never reacted in haste. His life was framed by intentionality which allowed Him to respond with peace.
Going to God with our Needs
Each of us needs to consider what steps we need to take to deal with the stress in our lives. It is clear from God’s Word that we all need community, and we all need margin; the Sabbath was created to provide both fellowship and rest, and one way to reduce stress is to follow God’s commandment regarding the Sabbath. The enemy wants us to be stressed, proud, and isolated. Jesus says if we are weary and burdened, we should come to Him for rest.
