1-Year Bible Reading Series for Healthy Living (April: Stress Management)

Welcome Back!  This month the focus of our attention is Stress Management.

Do you often find yourself feeling stressed-out?  When pressures rise, do you double down in an effort to control your circumstances?  Or maybe you have a tendency to avoid facing what feels overwhelming.  Do you wish you could figure out a way to keep stress from gnawing away at the quality of your life?     

You’ve come to the right place! Jesus tells us that if we come to Him, He will take away what weighs us down and show us how to have liberated lives.  

As someone who has experienced prolonged trauma, is hypervigilant, and is well acquainted with the autonomic fight-or-flight response, this month’s topic is particularly challenging for me.  That is why the Bible is my constant source of guidance.   

When stressed, whether you find yourself feeling bone-weary, disheartened, agitated, or overworked, God wants to give you peace!  

Spending a few moments each day reading these Bible passages will help you find better ways of responding to stress, ease and empower you in difficult circumstances, and increase your sense of mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness.  

[If you'd like a brief general overview of the Bible before jumping into specific passages, read:  Bible Recap 101: Your Essential Guide to the Bible's Core Storyline.]

Are you ready to get started growing closer to God and improving your life?

Let’s go…

April - Stress Management

Most of us have heard of the fight-or-flight response, but what about the “rest-and-digest” response?  It is the body’s state of equilibrium, in which humans were designed to reside most of the time.  Whereas in fight-or-flight the mind takes all available energy from every area of the body in order to survive a threat (real or perceived), in the rest-and-digest state, organs and bodily systems are better able to work optimally.  

But we all know we can’t be in a state of relaxation all the time.  Stress is a necessary part of a healthy life.  This may sound odd in a society where the word stress has become synonymous with burnout, but there is a healthy side of stress.  Life is full of all sorts of opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges that can be both exciting and overwhelming.

What is needed is wisdom in how to think and act so that a normal restful state can be experienced amid daily responsibilities and full intensity will kick in for life’s battles.   

Week 1: Getting to the Root

Why do you do what you do?  Why do any of us do what we do?

Even Christians devoted to living for God are confronted with passions of the flesh.  So, what is it for you?  Are you ever tempted by a desire to prove your worth, build wealth for the purpose of living in luxury, acquire power or fame, or people-please?  

Unhealthy stress often stems from erroneous goals, motivations, and thoughts that are rooted in issues around a sense of belonging, character and identity.  

As you read this week’s Scriptures, let God speak to your heart, strengthening you in your inner being about who you are and how He wants to bless you. 

Week 2: Life Management

The way you structure your life can control many of your decisions.  For example, if you purchase a car on credit, you are obligated to earn enough to avoid losing your car.  Or if you over-commit your time, your busyness can inhibit adequate rest and recovery.  

By prioritizing your relationship with God through spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with other believers, you will receive daily recharging - spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and relationally.

This week, let these Bible passages inspire you and help you know how to put God first in your life.

Week 3: Daily Management

You make decisions all day, every day.  Life paths are established one choice at a time.  Just as one bad decision can change the trajectory of your life, one good decision can set you on a positive path.    

God shows His people how to create safeguards for staying on track in living the best life possible. 

As you read what God’s Word says this week, notice the importance of boundaries, togetherness, and asking for help.

Week 4: Difficult Seasons, Suffering, and Worries

he Bible is full of people and instructions from which you can learn.  To stave off getting overwhelmed by unhealthy stress, reflect on how other Christ followers lived, remember what God has done in your past difficulties, and know that Jesus understands how you feel. 

As you read these passages, be encouraged by those who have gone before you, and receive God’s reassurance that He will help you get through your suffering.

Where to Go From Here

By remembering who God says you are, putting Him first in your life, learning to establish supports and safeguards, and searching God's Word for encouragement, you can mitigate unhealthy stress and be strengthened to overcome when difficulties arise.

Did you experience any victories this month in the area of stress?  Share it with us in the Comment section below!

Join me again in May when we will focus on the importance of Recreation.  Yes, God wants you to have fun! 

Be thinking about your favorite hobbies or interests - new or old - and consider asking a friend to join you in an activity as well as reading the Scriptures next month.     

See you tomorrow!

Articles in this series: 

• January - Fitness
• February - Sleep & Rest
• March - Nutrition
• April - Stress Management
• May - Recreation
• June - Family
• July - Work
• August - Faith
• September - Finances
• October - Mindset
• November - Relationships
• December - Making Plans

Do you want to learn more about the Bible or how to become a Christian?

Check out these articles:

1. Bible Recap 101: Your Essential Guide to the Bible's Core Storyline
2. How to Become a Christian in 2 Life-Saving Steps

Are you looking for a church? Check out these articles:

1. 3 Essential Beliefs All Christian Churches Share
2. 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Church For You
   
   

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