10MIN READ
Taking Control of Stress
An interactive, guided reading experience, shaped from the booklet.
Share This Article
Share With Us
Overview
Does stress control your life? Are you noticing changes in your life that are impacted by stress? Do you want to reclaim your peac
Stress is a natural response to lifeâs demands and pressures, but when stress becomes overwhelming, it can impact every aspect of
opening reassurance
Stress does not have to control your life. You are not alone in this â God offers you his presence, power, and peace. You may not
Quote
Everyone has stress, but not everyone is stressed out.
Taking Control of Stress
The 12 principles of stress in this article will help you address the root of your stress; make better choices in the face of stress; and find a lasting peace that helps you through any stressful situation. You will find
Know your stress level
If you were to rate your stress level from 0=no stress to 10=I cannot function, what would your stress level be?
Many people experience stress at different levels. Some are manageable and part of everyday life. Other stressors can impact the way you think and how you respond to simple tasks. Is your stress level too high? Do you wake up feeling stressed? Do you find yourself overreacting to something? Someone? Have you already
BIBLE VERSE
When I was really hurting, I prayed to the LORD. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away. Psalm 118:5 CEV
Think before you act
Stress is like a cloud over our minds, leading to poor judgement and impulsive decisions we later regret. When emotions are high, itâs easy to want to escape, shut down, or walk away from everything. Contrary to just âtaking a breakâ, these responses are reactive and unhelpful. Reacting in the middle of overwhelm rarely solves the problem. Stress can make temporary struggles feel permanent and leave us unable to think clearly
KEY MOMENT
Our God says, âCalm down, and learn that I am God!â Psalm 46:10a CEV
Donât be ashamed to get help
I donât think anyone intentionally seeks out stress, but it can add up. Any new life situation â new job, new house, new relationship, new baby; or any change in your situation – death of a loved one, loss of a job, change in a relationship â can build stress you werenât expecting. As stress builds up around you, it can quickly escalate to a point where you feel overwhelmed and out of control.
While we canât always prevent str
KEY MOMENT
God knows what you are going through. He invites you to share your thoughts, worries and cares with him.
Reclaim control as you choose the next m
I donât think anyone intentionally seeks out stress, but it can add up. Any new life situation â new job, new house, new relationship, new baby; or any change in your situation – death of a loved one, loss of a job, change in a relationship â can build stress you werenât expecting. As stress builds up around you, it can quickly escalate to a point where you feel overwhelmed and out of control.
While we canât always prevent str
BIBLE VERSE
Jesus says: âIf you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.â Matthew 11:28 CEV
Learn to mind your pâs and qâs â and rel
Many of us store difficult emotions and unresolved problems in a âmental cupboardâ, hoping theyâll disappear if we ignore them. But over time, unspoken conflict, unhealthy habits, financial worries, relationship tension, and neglected issues begin to build pressure and create stress. Eventually the âmental cupboardâ becomes so full with clutter that shutting it behind the closed door of your mind becomes unrealistic and unmana
KEY MOMENT
Godâs Spirit doesnât make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 CEV
Learn to separate your stresses
Stress often feels overwhelming when we pile every problem together and view it as one giant mess. When that happens, itâs easy to lose hope, feel stuck, and believe nothing will ever improve.
But not every stress is permanent or life changing. Some pressures are temporary and will pass with time, while others need longer-term support and solutions. Learning to separate and identify your stressors can help you respond more ca
KEY MOMENT
Everything on earth has its own time and its own season. There is a time for birth and death, planting and reaping, for
Who is designing your life?
The pressure to keep up with everyone else can create enormous stress. Many people work harder, spend more, and push themselves beyond healthy limits trying to provide the âbestâ or fit societyâs expectations.
But chasing more things doesnât always bring peace or connection. Often, the people we love value our presence, time, and attention far more than possessions.
BIBLE VERSE
Jesus said âWhat will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself?â Mark 8:36 CEV
Learn how to give it a rest
At some point, overthinking and striving can only multiply the noise in our minds. The more we try to carry everything ourselves, the heavier it becomes. Thereâs wisdom in recognising when the best next step is actually to loosen our grip and entrust it into Godâs hands.
KEY MOMENT
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. Hebrews 12:2 CEV
Become a today person
Do you keep putting things off until tomorrow? Procrastination can quietly add to our stress and steal our peace. While we canât fix every problem in a single day, small steps taken today can begin to lighten the load.
Every positive action matters. A difficult conversation, a short prayer, asking for help, doing one thing on your âto doâ list, or finally starting that task youâve been avoiding, can all move you forward. Big
KEY MOMENT
You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called âtodayâ. If
Let others off the hook, a lot!
Stress is like a cloud over our minds, leading to poor judgement and impulsive decisions we later regret. When emotions are high, itâs easy to want to escape, shut down, or walk away from everything. Contrary to just âtaking a breakâ, these responses are reactive and unhelpful. Reacting in the middle of overwhelm rarely solves the problem. Stress can make temporary struggles feel permanent and leave us unable to think clearly
BIBLE VERSE
Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Colossians 3:13 CEV
End with prayer, hope and practical pathways
The booklet closes with a full prayer, encouragement to take heart with Jesus Christ, and practical support contacts. This section keeps that ending intact but gives it the dignity of a slower, more focused response moment.
Take a moment for prayer
If you feel comfortable and when you are ready, reveal and read the prayer written specifically for those who are reading this article.
Dear God. I consciously hand over to you today all that is causing me stress. I know you care and carry my burdens when all seems too hard. Please restore my peace and reassure me that you are in control. Help me to find ways to manage my stress and reclaim the life you have designed for me. Where stress has overtaken relationships, where choices have impacted my health, or where my need to get things done has robbed me of my peace, I pray that you restore what is broken and remind me of your unfailing love for me. Amen.
PRAYER REQUEST
Would you like us to pray for you?
We believe God is at work in all things, draws near in challenging circumstances, and loves each and every person fully and unconditionally.
If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, we encourage you to send us a prayer request. Our team would be happy to keep your situation in our prayers.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Support Services
Professional help is always available
Across Australia and New Zealand, God richly blesses us with counsellors, psychologists and medical professionals who are able to offer help, support and hope throughout lifeâs challenges.
If you have found the themes or topics contained within this episode challenging or confronting, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following professional support organisations.
