The Antidote for Stress

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‘Good grief. The online car payment didn’t go through again. I thought I set that payment up for automatic debit. Why am I getting calls from the bank?’

‘Oh no. I just saw a post on facebook by a supposed friend that is saying some horrible things about an “unknown” person..and I’m pretty sure that person is me.’

‘I feel so out of shape, and even though I’m struggling to get up and read scripture in the morning, I don’t feel close to God. I’m such a loser.’

Most of us are familiar with this kind of self talk. We feel the pressures of life, which are real. We are stressed over work and school, which is also real. Some of our relationships are hard and the fight for diet, spiritual enrichment, and peace in our lives is exhausting.

So we should probably read some good books on self help, right? Seven ways, nine ways, this way, that way… I really don’t think that is the answer.

the answer is worship.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all about listening to the experts in my areas of need. I really am. They may provide ways to deal with my problems, but not my stress, not my self worth, and certainly not my guilt. Nope. The answer is worship.

Paul the Apostle gives us clear guidance as to how we do this and what happens when we do this. Check it out:

Colossians 3:16-17 “Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

So you ready? Here is the Biblical answer to stress:

1. Let the Gospel (good news of Jesus) LIVE in you!

–       Christians ought to be the ones most excited about life. Sadly, many of us are more mopey (yeah that’s a word) and focused on self than even our non-christian friends. The writer of Colossians says, let it dwell RICHLY in you. This means an abundance. A lot. A truckload. Way more than you are used to. Let it be all over you like a wave at South Padre on a two year old! It should dominate your life, and in this, others see it!! The Gospel teaches us through it’s rich presence that Jesus is our need. Not more morals, more knowledge, or more self righteousness.

2. Sing songs about God and His goodness.

–       There’s nothing worse than a bunch of adults singing songs with sour faces of fake piety and seriousness…BORING! What could be more fun than a whole room of kids singing a song they enjoy? They sing loud, they dance, they high five one another and fall on the floor. Jesus says we need to be more like children. Maybe we can start with our singing! Maybe you need to loosen your belt a little bit and start singing songs like you mean it. The Bible calls this worship. And for those that don’t like this? Hey, I love you, but remind me not to stand next to you when its time to sing!

3. Be thankful!

–       This is so crucial for your personal worship to jump off the charts. Be thankful! Right now, make a list of at least 30 things you are thankful for. Sound like a lot? It’s not! I’ll bet you that I can make a list of 100! Be thankful! I play this game with my kids sometimes where we go from person to person and start by saying, “Jesus, I’m thankful for…” You see, here is what God knows and what we need to know: a thankful heart is at the root of worship. It begins to lift the spirit, which removes stress. Try it if you don’t believe me.

4. Live your life always for Christ, not for self.

–       The WWJD bracelets. Remember those? Whoever trademarked those is living in Hawaii now. Great idea. Why? Because it’s exactly what we Christians should be asking in our lives. WWJD in this situation? Would Jesus go there? Would Jesus go to that website? Would Jesus make this business deal? Would Jesus endorse this relationship? When we live our lives for ourselves (we say it’s for others, but be honest…) it’s never enough to keep us joyful and fight stress. It actually creates stress because we become our worst enemies. Why not let Jesus be the one in charge? This type of life is WORSHIP. This type of life is sustainable.

5. Again, be thankful through Jesus.

–       The writer tells us to be thankful. Again. Maybe He’s serious? Maybe you need to come up with 20 more now for your list.

Religious, self centered worship will always stink. It’s judgmental and domineering. It points fingers at different political parties, people of different lifestyles, different cultures, different norms, and it forces God to be just. Like. You. Yuck! No thanks.

Real worship focuses all of our attention upon Jesus. It makes much of Him because we are aware of how broken we are. It cries out for His glory and thanks Him over and over and over for the goodness He gives through His Gospel: the good news of forgiveness of sins. And you know what? Real worship ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS benefits everyone around you. It’s never a bad deal for your community when you worship the ONE who created all.

Tom Weaver

Lead Pastor, Logos Community Church

www.logoscommunity.com

twitter: @pastortomweaver

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Instagram: pastortomweaver

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