Stressed Out?

I don’t typically think of myself as a person who gets stressed out easily, and I don’t often get too overwhelmed. I’m a fairly good multitasker–not necessarily good at doing several things at once but being able to prioritize several things. Since all of the COVID-19 mess and shelter-in-place orders though, everything seems equally urgent and important. Additionally, so many things lately are completely out of my control, which I DON’T like.

There were multiple things to do, all with a sense of urgency. I was wearing many hats and had lots of things on my plate. So many things were time consuming, and it never seemed like there was enough time to get it all done. I love a good to-do list because they tend to help me feel less stressed. Though one day I made a to-do list with about 8-10 items on it…I only finished 2 of them that day, which made me feel even worse.

On top of that, several people were making demands of me, and it felt like everybody wanted (insert demand) RIGHT NOW. I hate letting people down, and I always want to lend a helping hand where I’m able. However, I found myself getting irritated about not getting my stuff done because of people asking and expecting me to do things.

Thus, I would definitely have labeled myself as very stressed recently. I have found a few things that have proven extremely helpful during this season, so I thought I would pass them along in case others might be a little stressed too.

Helpful advice from others when I’m stressed

It’s always a good idea to have a good support system and to reach out and take heed to the counsel of trusted people in your life. Fortunately I surround myself with an excellent support system that can talk some sense into me when I don’t always think clearly. My husband, Eric, reminded me that sometimes it’s okay to let some things go. He pointed out where I might be putting unrealistic expectations on myself.

My boss at the college where I teach reiterated to me that we are in “good enough” mode, not “best practices” mode. I think she knows how we like to do our jobs with excellence, but she reassured us that the college would be understanding in times of crisis where we sometimes just need to do what it takes to get by.

I had some great counsel from a couple of friends who already homeschool their kids and work from home. They were able to guide me to be flexible with a routine, not rigid (not my structured-self tends to be) and to remember that each child is different and would work at different paces and have different needs.

I received counsel and a few other friends and family members reminded me that I need to set boundaries, say “no”, ask for help, and delegate what I can.

All of the advice and reminders really helped to lift a weight I felt. In addition to these things, I spent some extra time reading devotions about managing stress and spending some extra time in prayer and reading my Bible, where I was able to get even more wise counsel on being stressed. Specifically, I was able to pull out a few strategies from reading Philippians 4. Check them out…

Take Some Practical Steps When You Are Stressed Out:

• First shift your focus from your stress to God—Read through Philippians 4.

Here are some good highlights to help you shift your focus. We’ll break them down into further practical action steps next.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

• Next, spend some time in worship and praising God. (Start with praise)

This prioritizes what’s most important. Rejoice in both the good AND the bad. Remember, worship IN the situation not FOR it. Worshipping takes your focus off of your stressors and puts your attention on the stress-reliever, God. There is a sense of relief just in this minor perspective shift. Listening to praise and worship music can also be extremely therapeutic.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

• Then, turn worries, concerns and stress into prayers.

You need to surrender your stress, and cast your cares on God. I’ve mentioned before that the definition of “cast” is to throw something forcefully into a specified direction. You need to “throw” those burdens forcefully in God’s direction and quit trying to carry them on your own. You can also throw them toward God as you would “cast” a fishing pole and lure.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” Philippians 4:6 (MSG)

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

• After that, practice gratitude.

Think about what you’re thankful for. Remember what God has already done for you and ways that he’s already come through for you in the past. These reminders can serve as a foundation for hope. Realizing the good things you have (or that things could be a lot worse) can also provide a sense of relief.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 (ESV) 

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 (NLT)

“Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given” Psalm 105:5 (NLT) 

“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced” 1 Chronicles 16:12 (NIV)

• Redirect your thoughts, and change what you think about.

When you’re stressed out the tendency is to think about all of the things that are bothering you or going wrong. You need to try to focus on the positive instead of the negative. Your thoughts will direct and lead your feelings, so you need to take every thought captive as the Bible says. You control your thoughts, not the other way around.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)

• Finally, recognize your source.

Recognize the source of your ability and the source of the grace and strength to be able to do what you need to do and put up with the things that you encounter. That source of course is God.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

“And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (GNT)

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)

These are just a few strategies I pulled out of Philippians 4 to help with being stressed out. We’ll address some more practical strategies in future posts.

Have any of these strategies from Philippians 4 been helpful for you when you’ve been stressed? Share your story with us by leaving a comment below.

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are rude, sarcastic, disrespectful, offensive, or off-topic.  By posting on this site you agree to my Comment Policy.

P.S.  If you liked this post, you might enjoy receiving new posts delivered right to your inbox each week!  Sign up here. 

If you have benefited from this post or if you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward and share this post with them via the sharing links below! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)