A recent article in the New York Post revealed some enlightening and troubling statistics about Americans and stress. According to the American Psychological Association, a full 48% feel they are experiencing more stress than just five years ago. Many find they lie awake at night and some report drinking too much to help cope with life.
Nearly 75% of the study's 1,848 participants cited finances and work-related issues as the main culprits, with paying rent causing anxiety for over half. The report also found that stress caused family fights, smoking, divorce, and numerous health-related issues. Experts added that the stress likewise may bring fatigue, overeating, obesity, and eventually life-threatening heart disease.
Life in modern America is, in some ways, a two-edged sword. Citizens enjoy a quality of life never before known in human history. But with that can come a living nightmare as they strive to gain, or maintain, the "American Dream".
During the earthly ministry of Christ, the Lord spoke of dealing with worry and stress, and that was during a time when life was far slower paced and less complicated than today. But knowing of man's universal struggles in any era, He stated in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He elaborated further on the subject in Luke 12 beginning in verse 22: "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing." This was quickly followed by a simple yet profound directive for fully dealing with life's many stresses and strains. Verse 31 reads, "But seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."
Finally, the Apostle Paul lends his weight to the Lord's words in Philippians chapter 4. In verses 6-7 he reveals to the Christian facing stress what he should do and also what he may then expect in return. "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."
The times are indeed hectic and pressure-packed, and they show no real signs of easing up. But anyone who has experienced peace "with" God through saving faith in Christ, likewise has access to the peace "of" God by way of a supernaturally guarded heart, even in the midst of life's most stress-filled days.
Bill Breckenridge
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