7 SOURCES OF STRESS
1. Worry
2. Hurry
3. Crowds
4. Multiple choices
5. Loss of privacy
6. Pluralism
7. Fear of the future
(PSALM 23) The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(Proverbs 14:30 GNT) “Peace of mind makes the body healthy…”
(Proverbs 14:30 NLT) “A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life.”
7 SPIRITUAL HABITS THAT REDUCE STRESS
1. LOOK TO GOD TO MEET MY NEEDS
(Romans 8:32) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
2. I NEED TO OBEY GOD’S INSTRUCTION ABOUT REST.
(Psalm 23:2) “He makes me lie down.”
(Exodus 34:21) Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.
3. RECHARGE MY SOUL WITH BEAUTY
(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
4. GO TO GOD FOR GUIDANCE.
(James 1:5) If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
5. TRUST GOD IN THE DARK VALLEYS
(Psalm 142:3a) When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.
6. LET GOD BE MY DEFENDER
(Psalm 18:2 NLT) The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
7. EXPECT GOD TO FINISH WHAT HE STARTS IN ME