Stress.
We hear that word a lot in our society today.
It’s a word used to describe how we feel when we have a lot on our plates, along with many expectations. Tests, deadlines, tension, jobs, and our futures are only some of the things that overwhelm us. This generation is anxious and stressed, that is including me. In fact, stress has become a common and usual emotion for just about everyone.
As I have gotten older, I have realized that stress and anxiety have been trying to take over my life. And for the most part, I had been letting it do just that. The Delta 8 vape cartridge has helped people reduce stress.
It had been taking my joy away. It takes away the time I get to spend around people. It minimizes the time I could have had to trust in God. Worrying is the lie that God doesn’t have a plan. It is the lie that He has no control, and that He is not able to do more than we could ever imagine. It is the lie that keeps us from trusting in Him. It is the lie that keeps our faith from growing.
Here are three things that God showed me through His Word, His promises, and through others, about stress and anxiety.
It’s Not Worth It
Worry and stress is a lie. It’s a lie that the enemy subtly planted in my heart and it began to take over my thoughts, the thoughts I could have used to trust God. It took over my time and my energy, time and energy I could’ve used to worship Him.
What the enemy doesn’t want you to know about worry is that it takes away and steals, but it gives nothing in return.
It’s a waste of time.
It is a way for the enemy to waste our time, instead of trusting God.
Stressing accomplishes nothing good.
God Didn’t Create Anxiety
Like I said before, stress is a lie, and it is not from God. It is not His plan for us to stress. His plan is for us to learn to lean on Him when we are not strong. John 14:27 says,
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Jesus did not come to bring fear. When He came, He brought peace. God’s peace is unique. It has the ability for us to remain calm in the midst of the storm. It gives us the ability to have assurance in Him.
He Will Rescue
Because God did not create fear, He is able to rescue you from it. Isaiah 46:4 says,
“..I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
God is ready.
Let Him take control.
1 Peter 5 :7 says,
“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”
God doesn’t just want your trust because He is the King, but because He actually loves and cares about us. He doesn’t want us to worry over what we can’t control.
One of my favorite songs, No Longer Slaves, talks about how God has freed us from our fears. This is my favorite line in the song:
“You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I could stand and sing
I am a child of God.”
He has redeemed us from all of our fears and anxiety.
We are free indeed.
Wow! Great article Kelsey! I so needed this today!!!
Great article! I’ve been under a bunch of stress lately- thanks for reminding me that it’s not worth my energy!
Thank for this wonderful article! This is really what I needed to hear at this time in my life.
Thanks, I really needed this! It’s so easy to get lost in our worry and stress when things go wrong….this is a great reminder!
This article also reminded me of a TED talk I watched recently…
https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend
Great article! Soo NEEDED!
Great article! We all get stressed sometimes. It’s a great reminder that God still cares. Thanks!
Hey Kelsey 🙂
Thank you for writing this article. I think you are a very talented writer. I don’t really disagree with any of your thoughts, but wanted to mention that there are a number of people I know, myself included, who struggle with panic or anxiety attacks and depression. Sometimes, that can be controlled, but there are many God-trusting and growing Christians who deal with that. You’re right, these things are not of God, but also are not always sin. Worrying about it, however, is. I don’t think stress is wrong, but how we respond to it determines our hearts. So thank you for this, I just wanted to mention that thought. 🙂
-Haylie
I agree with you- I have struggled with a lot of anxiety over the past few years. I think this is a great article, but I like your point Haylie!
Thank you so much for this. It’s very encouraging.
I heard that song before! Well the two artists that sang the song were Newsboys and (I think I forgot). But yeah it’s a very encouraging song.
Hi Kelsey, Great Article. I usually go through a lot of stress at my music school. This is a great reminder why not to stress. By the way, I noticed that you are interested in Africa and missions. Those are great interests, let me tell you, I am an MK to South Africa and I couldn’t be having a better life.
I also struggle with panic attacks. Once my mom was in the states, so my dad had to keep us four kids. My POOR DAD!!!! One of the many things that went wrong, was I had a panic attack, my first, and my dad was so scared. He took me to the ER, and everything came out all right. Actually, I was very young, and I was enjoying all the attention I got LOL. So long story to say, don’t worry, you are not alone. Good point Haylie!
Thank you for sharing that 🙂 I’m sorry you know what it’s like. Blessings, Lydia!
Yes, exactly! I believe that it’s not sin unless we chose it. Anxiety disorders are not something that it’s owner has chosen… but we do have the choice of whether to sin or not in how we react.
Good, glad I could share that
Hey Lydia! Thanks for the encouraging words, it means a lot! That’s awesome that you love in South Africa! I love missions and Africa. I would love to be a missionary when I get a little older!
Hey Haylie! Thank you for your thoughts! I just wanted to let you know that I do understand what you are saying. I also have struggled with panic attacks in the past, and that they sometimes cannot be controlled. I just know for me, that I have struggled with stress voluntarily, when I could have controlled it. Just wanted to share about that. Thanks for your feedback!
Thanks Emma!
You’re very welcome! Thanks for reading!
You’re very welcome! Thank you for your encouragement!
Oh yeah, I totally understand. I actually really appreciate you tackling the topic, cuz a lot of people don’t even think about that. Thank you again for the article! 🙂
Good morning Kelsey. I certainly needed your message this morning. You are wise beyond your years. I know it’s God’s wisdom. Thank you for sharing what He puts on your heart. Prayers for your continued passion in His purpose for your life.
Kelsey, I am thoroughly amazed of your conviction to God. Most young people your age are more concerned about all the goings on in high school. It would be great that there would be more young people like you that have put God ahead of all the worldly possessions and ideas. Keep up the good work and spread the Gospel to others. May God bless you for many years to come.