We’re all under an increased amount of stress these days. As the COVID-19 concerns have turned into national lockdowns, nearly everyone is finding themselves with more to think about.
Employees trying to work from home are stressed with internet speeds, unusually loud children, and distractions.
Moms suddenly find themselves trying to shush stir-crazy kids to allow dads to work, while trying to make dinner.
Kids are struggling to find ways to keep up with school assignments as classes have moved online, or closed completely.
Shortages in food supply and massive economic changes could have impacts on our lives for years to come.
And what’s perhaps most stressful of all…….we’re all short on toilet paper!
Managing the stress
With all the stress around us, how do we as Christians learn to deal with stress?
The Bible never uses the word stress. Instead, it speaks about anxiety and fear. Stress is a modern notion, but it finds its roots in fear. Fear of the unknown drives the stress of the present.
David dealt with some stress, as well. He was anointed as king, only to find himself being chased through the desert by an army of angry soldiers. That’s stressful! So how did David manage stress?
The Face of God
"Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?” Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord! You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:6-8
David’s answer to stress was not a change in his circumstance. In fact, he says that he will lie down and rest in ‘peace’ because God makes him dwell in safety. Imagine saying that while surrounded by angry soldiers!
His answer to the question that many were asking him about seeing good days was simple.
He asks God to lift up the ‘light’ of his face upon him. The answer to stress for David was the presence of God - not just known in the head, but seen as light in the heart.
When David saw the glory of God, his heart was filled with gladness—even more than when food and harvest was abundant.
When we remember that God is with us, that He loves us, and that He is sovereign, we find ourselves under His loving gaze. God’s gracious love toward His children is the only way to rest in times of stress.
And how do we know that these things are true? By reading…and believing what the Bible tells us!
