STRESS
19th Feb 2025
Stress can be defined as - “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Psychological stress is the body and brain’s response to life’s pressures and expectations. Stress is often accompanied by fears of failure and the inability to cope with all that life is demanding. Today’s society is full of situations causing stress, leading to physical illness and deep seated tiredness. So, what is the answer?
In a word - REST! God’s rest given by Jesus, worked out in relationship with Him, knowing you are not alone, and that the Holy Spirit will give you all the resources you need to deal with and overcome whatever circumstances are causing it. Rest quietens your heart and brings peace and physical strength, wisdom and direction.
In Psalm 62:1 David declares, “My soul finds rest in God alone.” In Matthew 11:28, Jesus calls us to come to Him to - “find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden in light.” United with Him and walking following His timing and direction gives peace and freedom from the effect of stress in all its forms.
Some years ago, we spent 2 weeks running a large family camp, moving house, changing the children’s schools, and then travelling to teach in Hungary for 3 weeks. It was a crazy schedule certainly not well planned! The Lord helped us, however.
On returning home I felt very unwell and had no strength, and I did not bounce back. Simple household jobs left me exhausted, and fear began to attack my mind. I had however listened to a series of messages from Derek Prince. He taught how stress has a spiritual element and we need to address it as a “mountain” that needs moving by the power of the Name of Jesus.
We repented of our foolishness and addressed the spirit behind stress and rebuked and dismissed it using the Name and Authority given by Jesus according to Luke 10:19. Every time I felt unwell I rebuked the ‘spirit of stress’ and dismissed it, there was an immediate change and a more gradual restoration and freedom.
Rest comes as we lean on Jesus, listen to His voice and walk with Him in evert aspect of life.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
