New Covenant Church
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Two kinds of stress
Good – elevated to either mitigate an immediate risk or challenge (fight or flight). This is occasional and temporary, and the condition of elevated stress goes away.
Bad – ongoing. The ‘fight or flight’ adrenaline levels are not reduced but persist as a way of life.
Negative effects of the wrong kind
- Constant release of adrenaline hormones can raise blood pressure, affect your immune system, cause ulcers. It’s toxic to your body, that’s how we know it’s not God’s will.
- Life expectancy in America has reversed a long trend and has actually been going down in the last few years.
- In a recent documentary called One Nation Under Stress, one of the reasons for this is an increase in what is called “deaths of despair” – increase in opioids, alcohol, suicide.
- Causes are financial stress, family break ups,
Overcoming stress – 3 questions to ask yourself:
1. Am I in the right fit?
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
- Difference between pressure and stress.
- The ‘right fit’ could be how much you’re trying to do - time commitments.
- Taking classes in Dallas
- The Sabbath principle and prayer – sowing and reaping.
2. Who’s in my life?
- Positive reinforcement – there is documented scientific evidence that healthy relationships are good for your brain and emotional well-being.
- Counsel – do you reach out when you get stuck?
- Life groups
3. Who’s in control?
One of the BIG reasons given for the high stress and depression levels people feel today is lack of CONTROL, or predictability.
- Will I lose my job? Will I keep my marriage? Will I get married?
The Psalmist writes,
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Psalm 121:4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
- Since God doesn’t sleep you might try getting some!
If you’re a control freak, there is a lot of stress in your life.
On our return trip from Italy, I read from Richard Baxter, the famous 17th century Puritan preacher in England,
The principal means for a confirmed confidence in God is to know Him, and to know that all things that we can fear are nothing, and can do nothing, but by His command, and motion, or permission.
Richard Baxter – A Christian Directory (of Practical Theology)
I Peter 5:7 – Casting your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
Response
Some of you are believers but are being robbed of your inheritance because of ongoing stress.
You’re not experience the joy of the Lord like you should.
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing
- This does not say you will be filled with joy and peace because you are a believer.