DEALING WITH STRESS

 

The American Psychological Association named Denver the city with the most stressed out people in America.  75% of Denver residents are too stressed out about job and money, with half of Denverites saying their stress has significantly increased over the last year.  Doctors and researchers have long connected a variety of health problems to stress, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  The Harris Interactive polling group conducted this survey on behalf of the APA.  Maybe the high stress levels are why so many Denver-area folks have such high octane workout routines, to counteract all of this.

In response, the Colorado Psychological Association provided some tips for coping with stress:  (1) Set limits, (2) Tap into your support system, (3) Make one health-related commitment (cut back on caffeine, exercise, get more sleep, etc), (4) Strive for a positive outlook, and (5) Seek additional help.  These tips are wise and useful, and especially is this true when we consider a "spiritual twist" on them.  While I have found living in this area to be peaceful and enjoyable, I also know that life in America in general as we face the current economical situation is stressful.  There are so many uncertainties and that alone is a stressor.

Christians are best-equipped to deal with stress.  Matthew 6:33 helps us properly prioritize so that we have a spiritual basis to determine what needs to be eliminated and what is more valuable.  Further, we have the greatest support system possible through the church (cf. Rom. 12:15; 1 Thess. 5:11; Eph. 4:13-16; Heb. 13:1; etc.).  Living the Christian life properly is a prime way to a healthier lifestyle, so long as we remember such principles as are found in 1 Timothy 4:8, Proverbs 23:2, and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (I'd recommend your reading those).  Who has a more positive outlook than one who can say, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21-24).  That is essentially saying, "I've got it great, and it will only get better."  Finally, there is no better help than that which we have available in Christ.  Having the help of heaven to cope with life's uncertainties is the greatest stress-buster there is.

Whether you live in Denver or even Small Town U.S.A., you are not immune from potential stress.  Yet, wherever you live, if you are a Christian you have the best coping tools imaginable.  Being in Christ eliminates many of the worries so many face.  May we not take this for granted.  Even more, let us not neglect to take advantage of the peace found only in Jesus (cf. John 14:27).

 

--Neal Pollard