Stress
by Paul Rambags
Scripture
reading
2 Thes.
3:8-13 (warning against idleness).
Introduction
We just
heard in the scripture reading that we should labour, we should not be
idle. For we should not be a burden to anyone else.
-
2 Thes.
3:8: Nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with
labour and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of
you.
-
Rom.
12:18: If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably
with all men.
-
2 Cor.
6:1-10: (3) We give no offense in anything, that our ministry
may not be blamed. (4) But in all things we commend ourselves
as ministers of God: in much patience (Dutch: verdraagzaamheid), ...
-
Gen.
3:17-19: ... In toil you shall eat of [the ground] all the days
of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and
you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall
eat bread ...
Another
purpose of working is found in John 6:27-29: (27) Do not
labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting
life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set
His seal on Him.
My labour-contract
says that I must work overtime on demand. Currently, I have to work very
hard at MediaWare. Two weeks ago, it made me overworked and stressed. But
right now I'm feeling all right.
Stress
The topic
of this sermon is stress. People say that a little stress is all
right, but too much is wrong. How can I handle too much stress? On the
one hand we see that the bible commands us to work. On the other hand,
we should not become overexerted. How much can I work? What is the limit?
How much can be required from us?
Stress
is phychological and mental. It occurs in your brains. One person can have
an awful lot of work to do and feel all right, while another person might
feel stressed while he hasn't really that much to do.
It is
interesting to note that words like stress, depressions, manic periods,
etc. cannot be found in the bible. But there are examples of such psychological
symptoms, e.g. Elijah is depressive in 1 Kings 19:4, where he prayed
that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life,
for I am no better than my fathers!". In Mat. 26:37, Jesus began
to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Martha (see below) was stressed,
too.
Solutions
Job 36:11:
The bible gives many good advices that help you to look at things in a
different way. These advises don't take away the problem of having to work,
but they make the situation bearable, to even such an extent that you can
handle everything what might be asked from you.
Active
solutions
-
Rest.
My family
doctor told me that a period of rest should follow a period of stress.
This basic principle has already been known for a long time. One of the
ten commandments concerns the Sabbath. Ex. 20:8-11: ... Remember
the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all
work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you
shall do no work ...
Jesus gives
rest. Mat. 11:28-30: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Mentally
based solutions
-
You are
not tempted for more than you can bear.
1 Cor. 10:13: No temptation has overtaken you except such as
is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way
of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
-
Don't worry,
be happy.
Luke 12:22-32, Mat. 6:25-34: Don't worry.
In Luke
10:38-42 Jesus says: (41-42) Martha, Martha, you are worried
and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen
that good part, which will not be taken away from her. The needed thing
is the Kingdom of God (Luke 12:31-32, Mat. 6:33).
This is
what you should do with your worries: Cast all your care upon Him, for
He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
-
What are
your motivations of working?
They should be based on love (Mat. 22:34-40). Then you can
endure a lot. 1 Cor. 13:7: ... (love) endures all things.
Note
that the Christians in Corinth were hard pressed on every side, yet
not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair (2 Cor. 4:8). They
were able to stand firm in a hostile, stressfull environment.
Conclusion
Stress is
something mentally, something psychologically. You can overcome a period
of too much stress by resting and by trusting on the Lord, and you are
not tempted for more than you can handle. Don't worry, and let your motivations
be full of love.
Paul Rambags, May 1997
(all scriptures are taken from the NKJV)
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