I think that most of us would agree that we cause MOST of the stress we suffer through.  We stress over money because we overspend in some areas or do not live within our means.  We stress over our relationships that are in trouble because we do not treat our spouse as we should.   Of course, many outside forces can cause us to stress.  The Lord does not want us to stress, even if we are the cause of our stress.  Let’s consider a few verses that instruct us that we should not stress or worry.

Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

Matthew 6:27, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?”

Luke 21:34, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”

Each of these verses in their own way tell us that we should not worry or stress.  You might be thinking, “Yes, but that’s easier said than done.”  I would agree with that remark…it is easier said than done, but the Word of God also tells us how to stop worrying and stressing about things in our lives.

1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”  The Lord wants us to take all our cares (including stress) and give them to Him.

Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  The Lord doesn’t want us to worry about anything, but with thanksgiving in our hearts, we should tell the Lord our needs.  When we do that, the incredible peace of God will sustain our hearts and minds through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 94:19, “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” (NASB).  When we are consumed with anxiety, it is the consolations (compassion, comfort) of the Lord that will bring delight to our suffering souls.

Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

We could go on and on, showing from the scriptures how the Lord wants to you take refuge from ALL your cares by turning to Him.  Even if we bring the stress upon ourselves, the Lord will have compassion and will comfort us when we confess our sins to him (read 1 John 1:9).  He will give us His peace which is so great it is beyond understanding.  (369.2)