Lately I’ve noticed that I’ve been burdened and stressed over a number of things. First, our family has been in transition with our two daughters moving away. One has started her career and the other is beginning college. Second, I empathize with some of the high school students I teach who have suffered some form of loss in the last year or have fallen behind academically. Third, I feel the toll of chronic uncertainty due to the threatening pandemic, struggling economy, overbearing government, and corrupt leaders. Lastly, I may even be pushed out of my job which would mean probably starting a new career and moving out of state. Perhaps you have been going through prolonged stress also. Once I identified this I have been taking each concern to God and he is helping relieve the pressure of present circumstances by teaching me to grow in my trust and relationship with him. You can do the same.
As much as we strive for our basic needs to be met, for security, for comfort, for freedom, for love, and for happiness that’s not where a fulfilling life is found. Life is not found in the abundance of things, in achievement, in wealth, in status, in health, or in the absence of trials and stress. Life and love is God himself, and we experience both as we joyfully fellowship with him (John 17:3).
There are several ways of coping with stress, but the most enduring and complete approach is to take your troubles to God and leave them with him. As almighty, loving God he is able and willing to resolve them in the best way. A prime example of this is Jesus, the Son of God, who became a man to save the world. Throughout his earthly ministry he continually relied on God the Father. Before he was unjustly betrayed, beaten, crucified, and forsaken, he sweat blood—pouring out his heart to God the Father in search of any way to bypass the unimaginable suffering he was to endure in becoming sin for us so that anyone who believes could be saved (2 Corinthians 5:21). Yet he submitted his will to the Father’s, entrusting himself to the Father’s care (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46). In turn God not only saw Jesus through the most traumatic suffering anyone could experience, but he also resurrected and exalted Jesus to his rightful place (Philippians 2:5-11). Casting your cares on God is not temporary escapism, a religious crutch, or naive hope. Instead it is powerful and effective.
Here are three practical things you can do to prayerfully rely on God and thus enjoy his life:
Don’t worry. Instead depend on God to provide for, support, and love you. In fact, rejoice in God, tell him all that concerns you and he promises to guard your heart and mind with his peace. (Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 12:22-34).
Don’t complain. Instead give thanks, not necessarily for the trial, but amidst it knowing that God will change you for the better from it. In fact, it is God’s will for you to give thanks in all circumstances because it changes your focus from the temporary to the eternal (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5).
Don’t serve yourself. Instead give yourself to God and others. Love God and others more than yourself. This opens you up to receiving the best God has for you and enabling you to share it with others (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 9:23-25).
In this world you will have trouble, but take heart that God has overcome and he will handle it (John 16:33; Romans 8:28). In fact, in many ways he already has. Jesus has conquered all our foes: brokenness, sin, disease, death, and Satan. We just haven’t seen that totally played out in our age. The war is won for anyone who trusts Jesus, but a few skirmishes remain. When Jesus returns to earth he will consummate his kingdom—rewarding believers, judging unbelievers, and vanquishing evil. In the meantime, realize that God’s reality transcends our fallen world and broken lives. So there is hope for anyone who believes. Jesus invites everyone by faith to enter into God’s reality. That’s what true life and enjoying life is all about.
Note: God’s word, the Bible, is a mighty offensive and defensive weapon, a wise counsel, and a healing balm in the battles we face. Many of the biblical psalms address finding divine joy in traumatic times. In particular, you may find Psalm 37 encouraging as I have.