Five Ways to Overcome Stress: A Daily DevotionalParaugs

LIFT UP YOUR EYES

So far, we’ve uncovered biblical techniques to deal with the root cause of stress – trust God, develop a quiet confidence in Him, pray the prayer of peace, and maintain a cheerful heart. 

Today, let’s look at the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:1-20. Hannah was the prophet Samuel’s mother, but, as with many of the great things that God does, Samuel’s entry into the world wasn’t easy. 

You see, Hannah longed to have children but couldn’t – and that was a big thing in her culture. People basically believed that if you were a good person who honoured God, He would bless you with many children. Being childless, Hannah was looked down upon by just about everyone. Just imagine how much stress she was under.

But what action did she take? She didn’t give up. Oh no. Far from it. She poured her heart out to God, not once but time and time again. 

When Eli the Priest accused her of being drunk, she said,

‘No, my Lord, I am a woman deeply troubled. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Don’t regard your servant as a worthless woman for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time’ (1 Samuel 1:15-16).

Instead of constantly looking down at the terrible circumstances she was in, she lifted her gaze and looked upon God and, clearly distressed, poured her heart out, asking Him to do something.

And what did she get in return? Peace that passed all understanding. And, eventually, God gave her the desire of her heart: a son.

My friend, too often we get lost in our pain, looking down at the problem instead of lifting our eyes to the one who can fix it!

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

So, if you’re going through a stressful time … when you inevitably go through a stressful time … do exactly what Hannah did. Lift up your eyes. Pour your stress out on God. You don’t have to be full of confidence and have it all together. No! Come as you are.

He will act. And whatever the outcome to your stressful situation, He will give you His peace. 

LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS 

QUESTION 1

Well, this time, it’s not so much a question, but an action to help you apply God’s Word to your life.

Start by recapping the five “stress-busters” we’ve covered in this series. Read again the Scriptures that they’re drawn from: 

1. Trust the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

2. Develop a quiet confidence (Joshua 1:1-9).

3. Pray the prayer of peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

4. Have a cheerful heart (Philippians 4:8-9).

5. Lift up your eyes (Hebrews 4:16).

QUESTION 2

Pray the above Scriptures through with the Lord and let the Holy Spirit write them on your heart. Meditate on them when you can, as often as you can. 

QUESTION 3

Just as Hannah did, continue to bring your stressful situation before the Lord. Pour out your heart to Him, over and over, and let the Holy Spirit work His power in your heart.

QUESTION 4

Last of all, can I encourage you to share the simple techniques you’ve learned in this series with others. Perhaps with someone who might be struggling with their own stressful situation, or even with those who simply notice that something has changed in your life and ask you why you seem so … peaceful these days. Let your peace and joy touch someone else’s life!

Bless you.

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