You don’t have to look far to find stressed-out, overwhelmed people everywhere. Sometimes we do it to ourselves by taking on too many responsibilities or activities; other times life seems to spin out of control with relationship or job challenges or financial or health issues.

As Christians, we understand that living in the world will come with some struggles. In fact, Jesus said in John 16:33b, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We were never promised a trouble-free life, but Jesus did say that we could be joyful because He’s overcome everything we could ever face.

During Stressful Times, Speak The Word of God

The Bible is the Word of God, so it’s unlike any other book. It offers hope, wisdom, peace and strength to its readers. During times of stress or feeling overwhelmed, if we put our focus on God instead of our ever-changing circumstances, we will find the strength to push through.

God’s Word is powerful. When we speak the Word of God, it accomplishes things. In Isaiah 55:11 God says, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Many times when things aren’t going our way, we tend to think and talk negatively. Instead, we need to speak God’s words over our situation and then watch Him accomplish His word in our lives. For example, in Philippians 4:14-19, Paul talks about how the church gave to his ministry when others didn’t. Because of their generosity, Paul declared in verse 19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

If you have a financial, physical, or other need, you can declare, “God, I thank You that You’re supplying all my needs according to Your riches in glory by Jesus Christ as I’m also being generous to help others.” We must be careful to speak scriptures in context; using scriptures out of context can be similar to treating God like a genie in a bottle, which doesn’t honor Him at all.

Additionally, the Word of God activates the angels of heaven on our behalf: “Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word” (Psalm 103:20). When we speak God’s Word, angels carry it out!

Remember, when we read, believe and speak God’s Word, it changes our perspective and sometimes it even changes our circumstances. Here are ten Bible verses to meditate on during times of stress. Declare these verses in the midst of your trials and watch the peace and presence of God show up.

#1 Don’t be anxious (Philippians 4:6-7)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

#2 Don’t worry (Matthew 6:25)

The words of Jesus:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

#3 God is your helper (Psalm 121:1-2)

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

#4 God strengthens you (Isaiah 40:29-31)

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

#5 God cares, so give Him your concerns (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

#6 God will hear you (Psalm 86:5-7)

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.”

If you doubt that God is hearing your prayers, read this article.

#7 God works out everything for your good (Romans 8:28)

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

#8 God is your hope (Psalm 42:5)

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.”

#9 Trust the Lord (Psalm 28:7)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.”

#10 God comforts you (Psalm 94:19)

“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.”

Final Thoughts

We need to remember that no matter what we’re going through, God never changes. Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He’s forever faithful, true and trustworthy. Refuse to blame God for problems and difficulties. Jesus taught, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

During good times and stressful times, He’s still worthy to be praised. Don’t allow difficulties to drive you away from God but to God. He’s compassionate and wants to help you carry the anxieties of life that try to weigh you down.

~ by Jennell Houts

Living By Faith – free eBook Faithworks Centre, Prince Edward Island is a church where people from all walks of life join to grow in faith. It’s not easy to live a life of faith in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why we’ve created a 17-page, 3-part guide to Living By Faith. Learn about how to strengthen your faith, follow Jesus’ command to love and serve others, and understand how love casts out fear. Get your free guide by just entering your email address below!