When stress feels like it's casting a dark shadow over our entire life, we can begin to feel hopeless, confused, and unsure if God's light can still reach us, as far down as we have sunk. It is exactly that moment when we need to choose to stop focusing on our circumstances, and begin focusing on God.
In good times and bad, we have to choose to pay attention and focus on the message He wants to get through to us.
There have been so many Sunday worship services when I walked into the sanctuary feeling stressed and hopeless, but left the sanctuary with great vision and great hope. Sometimes I get so engrossed in taking notes from the sermons I listen to, that I have to study them afterwards to make sure that I didn't just write words, but that I let them sink into my heart and change me.
You might think that's strange, but I'm just an obsessive-note-taking kind of girl; my teachers used to love me.
But isn't it so easy to sit through a worship service, going through the motions, while letting the message of a sermon go in one ear and out the other, in less time than it takes to get into the car and head to lunch? Today's giveaway includes a sermon notes journal, so you can make sure to pay attention to God's messages, focusing on the direction and peace found within, and tuck them into your heart to lean on when life gets stressfull.
A signed copy of Stressed-Less Living
A pink Sermon Notes Journal
A Mini pedicure set and buffing block
How to enter to win:
Do you have a special scripture verse about stress or peace that is meaningful to you?
Do you have a notable quote about stress that helps you keep life in perspective, or brings you a chuckle when life gets crazy?
Post either a peace-full verse, or a notable quote about peace and stress (with the author's name if you know it) and you'll be all entered to win!
87 comments:
One of my favorite scriptures that comes to mind when I am feeling stressed is Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."- I find such comfort in that verse. It reminds me that no matter what trials, troubles or struggles I am or will be facing that day, that I can face them with courage because my God is with me. He will carry me through what ever may come.
"In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9
This is the verse that I lean on when things seem like they just aren't going right for me. It is reassuring to me to know that God knows the purpose of everything that I have to endure and that ultimately it will bring me closer to Him.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my
peace I give unto you; not as the
world giveth, give I unto you. Let
not your heart be troubled, neither
let it be afraid.
I bought a t-shirt many years ago with "All stressed out and no one to choke" that got a lot of chuckles and a lot of "I know how you feel" comments.
This isn't always noted as a scripture of peace, but for me, when my anxiety or my doubts are crippling, this gives me peace.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
This verse reminds me that with God's help nothing is impossible and I don't have to worry about doing things.
Shannon
"The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 NLT)
Philippeans 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
This is the verse that pulls me through any situation mostly because it reminds me to be thankful for the situation and thankful for the blessings!
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11: 28-31) from Mandy Avery AZ
My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Plans not to harm me and give me hope...awesome reassurance and peace!
Tammy-Corinth, KY
This scripture brings me peace
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
When I first visited the house I currently live in, I was not as enthusiastic as my husband was about buying it. The #1 reason being that I felt the price was a little more than I figured we could comfortably afford. So I was stressing by trying to work everything out on my own.
My job at that time was serving as a secretary in the regional office of my church denomination. One day I was in another secretary's office, and I noticed for the first time a certain frame she had hanging on the wall. It read, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (NKJV).
Immediately, I felt such a rush of peace flow through my whole being - body, mind, and spirit! I perceived God was speaking to me and telling me, "Do not worry. Everything will be alright. This is the house I want you to buy."
I surrendered to Him and trusted that, if buying this house was His will, He would help us make it financially. After 6 1/2 years, I can say that He has been faithful in this regard. Oh, we do have our financial struggles, but we are not in danger of losing our house.
Once God relieved my stress, I began focusing on all of the positives and pushing the negatives away. It took some time for the negatives to stop creeping into my mind because I think Satan did not want to give up so easily, but it did happen eventually. This property has everything we were looking for plus extras we never imagined! I came to see this house as such a rich blessing, and I continue to praise God for it.
This experience has added Jer. 29:11 to the arsenal of promises I can claim when the need arises.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts ~ Colossians 3:15a
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts ~ Colossians 3:15a
My go to verse has always been Matthew 6:25: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more imporatnt than food, and the body more important than clothes?...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Usually my stress becomes worry - about the right thing to do, to say, how to respond, etc. etc. This passage says that God will take care of all these things - not through my responses but God's responses through me.
I really like this verse from Matthew 6:25:
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to to his life?
Jennifer York
Springfield, VA
Love all these verses so far!! Such power and encouragement in all of them. And loved the funny stress quote! I have certainly felt that way before!
All of the verses posted so far have also given me great comfort. However, Psalm 139 has always helped me in times of great stress. The opening is my favorite: "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. This reminds me that God is always with me, He knows me better than I know myself and He knows what I'm going through and will never forsake me. Justine Justin, Detroit, Michigan.
Quotes:
"Stress is an advertisement of God's unreliability." ~ Ann Voskamp
"Life is not an emergency" ~Ann Voskamp
These both help me stop and breathe.
Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you!
Don't we always feel reassured knowing that a parent, or spouse, or friend loves and cares for us. When that care is expressed somehow, it is encouraging. Well, the God of the universe cares for you!
Charity
boone, nc
Isaiah 41:10...fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my mighty right hand .
:-)
"Those who know Your name trust you, O LORD, because you have never deserted those who seek Your help." Psalm 9:10
Jodi
Lockport, IL
I know this is a long verse, but it's always been one to bring peace to me. No matter the loss, no matter the stress, no matter the worry, God is my strength!
I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound;
decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:16-19
All my favorite comforting Scriptures have already been posted, so I'll go with the humor:) I carried a keychain for many years (until it broke) that said "GOING CRAZY. WANT TO COME ALONG?"
But Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7
Stephanie HAnks
slhanks1975@yahoo.com
"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
Someone already mentioned this verse.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Mary Lou
Nassawadox, VA
"Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon." Psalm 31:24
God revealed this verse to me a couple of day ago when I was feeling frustrated and stressed about a situation. It seems easier to get stressed out than to trust.
Judy Hesston, Kansas
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
...in quietness and trust is your strength Isaiah 30:15
Kelly
2 Samuel 22:29
New International Version (NIV)
29 You, Lord, are my lamp;
the Lord turns my darkness into light.
This verse gives me hope that He will always be with me. In the darkest of times, He is my lamp to guide me through the difficulties, stresses and pain.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
I also think of a line from the song "Our God": "And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?" Totally lifts me when I hear it!
Leigh Ann
Snow Camp, NC
I have been reading a chapter of Proverbs each day lately and the verse that has spoken to me the most is 16:1 Mortals make elaborate plans but God has the last word. I love to follow that up with 10:22 God’s blessings make life rich; nothing we can do can improve on God. I am really struggling with seeing some very stressful situations through God's light right now so I seem to quote these scriptures constantly. Today's message was a wonderful reminder that while I am struggling to hand these problems over, God doesn't get tired of hearing me complain about them but He is also just ready to take them when I stop thinking I can fix the issues better than He can.
Dawn M.
Bloomington, IL
There is a hymn that I remember that part of th chorus says " there is peace in the valley for me". The valley is when we go throught things, and now I am in a valley but God has given such sweet peace that He has it covered!
Jer. 29:11
I just remind myself God has a plan for me and it's GOOD!
Emily S
Azle, Texas
One of my favorite sayings is "This too shall pass." Not sure who said it first but it helps me to remember that troubles don't last always (another saying). Thanks for the daily detox!
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
Matthew 6:25-34, especially 32b-33 "your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."
So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed...it's a song and I forget the reference.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
(and then I have to pray for God to give me his perfect love)
COME TO ME ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY
AND HEAVY-LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE
YOU REST. THE AUTHOR IS JESUS CHRIST.
Psalm 139: 23,24
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:7
Charlotte, West Plain, MO
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
~Phil. 4:13
Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
Isaiah 40:29, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
I am new in my walk with the Lord and so I do not have any particular scripture in my mind. So I went to the concordance in the back of one of my bibles and looked up stress. I found Psalms 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. (AMP) This is going to be added to the verses I am working on memorizing. I really want to memorize scripture so that in times of stress/anger/despair or whatever other feeling I am having, I can repeat scripture.
I love John 14:27. :)
Be still and know that I am God
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,“therefore I will hope in him.”
The LORD is good to those who wait for him,to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
(Lamentations 3:22-26 ESV)
Our Pastor once said, who would read Lamentations...it is so depressing. But that is where God has meet me in my depression and given me hope. ( I have struggled with depression most of my 50 year life and God is always there)
I always remember my mother saying, "This to shall pass" whenever we were facing a trial in life.
One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 30:5
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
It reminds me that, with God, I can make it through the night to get to the Joy that cometh in the morning. Each day gives you a chance to get it right and if the morning comes in Heaven, then it doesn't get any righter.....
I decided earlier this week that Jeremiah 29:11 would be my power verse:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I say it several times a day while continuing my job search.
I also have to mention that I created a blessing bowl, using LeAnn Rice's 100 Scripture promises template (http://www.shecooks.org/resources), and the very night I decided this would be my power verse, I pulled that same verse from my bowl! So awesome! :)
This to shall pass is one of my go to quotes. Also I have a "work angel" on my desk that reads "protects against Lateness & Chaos"
Tami-Lynchburg
Isaiah 43:1&2- Fear not, for I have reedemd you; I have summond you by name; you are Mine. When you pass throught the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Just the words "You are Mine," calm me and the rest of the passage with God's promise to take care of me no matter what really brings down my atress level.
Philip. 4:6-7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(KJV)
Song/Chorus: I cast all my cares upon you; I lay all of my burdens down at your feet & any time that I don't know what to do I will cast all my cares upon you. (The song is based on I Peter 5:8 & from I found is by Kelly Willard but that may be incorrect).
Both the song & verse are great for worried stressed out people:)
~Blessings~
Jerem. 29:11 "I know the plans I have fore you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Focuses on this verse gives me peace as I dwell on my God who wants to give me a future and a hope. What a blessing.
Psalm 23 is a Scripture passage that always brings peace to me! The quiet water, protection, and food(chocolate?)always sound so nice.
Martha T.@CRPrairie1@imonmail.com
Rosalba.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own".
Matthew 6:33-34
My mom used to tell me that verse when I was stress out for my school tests. Now I still keeping it, so every time I am stress out for something I remember that verse. Peace and good momories of my mom helping me to relax. Thank God for all the moms and women who encourage others to keep going on faith.
Phil 4:13 is my favorite verse. I recite it during my work day(:
Melissa
Frisco TX
To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.
Robert Muller
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
I have several other favorites that remind me where my mind needs to go when I am feeling stressed, anxious, or fearful. I am so thankful for God's Word!
Thank you for this Stress Detox Series. It has been a blessing! Thank you for offering the fun and generous giveaways as well!
Here are a few scriptures that bring me comfort and peace: (1) Psalm 103:5a "He fills my life with good things...", (2) Psalm 91 (in its entirety), (3) Psalm 139 (in its entirety), and (4) Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
The first scripture that comes to mind is:
Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I always have to remember that God is with me and knows my circumstances. As soon as I remember that I become less stressed and relaxed.
Christine Hawkins
Nashville, TN
I have some index cards on a ring color coded by Scripture, inspirational quotes, and quotes. This is the one I am focusing on most right now.
Trust Him
Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee.
Trust Him when thy strength is small.
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
seems the hardest thing of all.
Trust Him, He is ever faithful;
Trust Him, for He is the best;
Trust Him, for the heart of Jesus
is the only place of rest.
Salesian Missions
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When I am feeling stressed, it is truly a battle of the mind to get it focused on what is right and true and not what I have made it to be. These verses help me:
Philippians 4:6-8
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 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.
I love Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord & He will sustain you". I also remember "this too shall pass." Thanks for the giveaway. Jenny C.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
I have my computer surrounded by post-it notes with scripture verses to get me through the day at my job. But this one sticks in my head most often. "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation." 2 Thessalonians 3:16
My favorite is psalms 37:39... God is with me in my times of trouble & he is stronger than me!!
One of my favorite scriptures is Phillipians 4:6-7: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There is a song that Amy Grant sings called, Fields of Plenty/Be Still My Soul. I just love this song! It calms and soothes me and has gotten me through many stressful times.
...your strength will lie in quiet confidence. Isaiah 30:15
Janet D
Galax, VA
Habakkuk 2:3. For the revelation awaits an appointed time. It speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it. It will surely come and will not delay.
This verse gives me peace because God gave it to me during a Sunday morning message with the word "wait.". And if God tells you to wait, that's a promise of something to come :)
"Whatever s true. whatever is noble. Whatever is pure. Whatever is lovely. Whatever is admirable. Think about anything excellent or praiseworthy. ...and the God of peace will be with you." paraphrased from Phil 4:8-9. I keep this thought handy and written out when negative or anxious thoughts start to crowd my thinking.
Another thought I keep posted on my bedroom mirror to chase away negative thoughts: "Remember that you are loved. and that your friend ___ is probably praying for you right this minute!"
It helps get me through rough moments....then I send an e-mail request to that friend right away. : )
I loved reading all these comments! There are so many verses in scripture that bring life and peace.
One of my go-to verses is...
Philippians 4:6-8
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can? ~Author Unknown
Phil 4:6-7. Just get on my knees and pray. Let God handle the rest. Thanks for all the words of wisdom you have provided this past week.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. My Mom taught me that verse as a child. I repeat it in times of high stress and frustration.
Lucretia
Shepherd, mt
It is so difficult to choose a favorite verse even on a specific topic, but I will share the first one that came to mind this time. Thou wilt keep him(her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he (she) trusts in Thee. Isaiah 26:3
I have a few favorites, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 23 and Psalm 34 to name a few.
To help me thru those stressfu times I have to keep saying Jesus, Jesus, over and over until I feel His peace come over me.
I love the verses Lamentations 3:22-23 the steadfast love of the lord never ceases. His tender mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is his faithfulness! Great is his faithfulness. I also like to sing the song Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face and the things on earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.
The verse I love is the one that is fairly quite cliche as Bible verses go but it still helps me a lot!
It is the one in 1 Peter 5:7~ Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.
I especially love the second part about God caring for us :)
The best thing that works for me is to sing His praises like Casting Crown's Praise You In This Storm. I turn on Air 1 or sometimes I have to listen to my mp3 player if I'm at work. i just have to get praise music somehow going in my head!
1 Corinthians 10. 13. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide you a way out so you can stand up under it. NIV 1984. This verse means to me that no matter what trial I encounter, God will always take care of me by providing a way out.
Psalm 118:6
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
That says it all!
Julie S.
Walnut Creek, OH
Fix your eyes on Jesus....and you will not grow weary and loose heart.
Hebrews 12: 2-3
...or when I can't stop thinking about my worries....Finally, brothers, 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. Philippians 4:8
"Your mission: be so busy loving your life you have no time for hate, regret or fear." (Karen Salmansohn) I need to be reminded of this every day!
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own".
Matthew 6:33-34
I have a terrible habit about worrying about the future and what it holds. I repeat this bible scripture to myself daily when I find myself in worry!
"Be still and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10
At times, it's frustrating because patience isn't something I'm good at but the reassurance is that He IS God, that's all I need.
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