On this episode of Christianity Works, Berni Dymet talks about a big problem: the stress that many people feel every day. Stress shows up in different ways and has also become a huge part of modern life. A concerning number of Australians are experiencing high levels of stress.
Young adults, especially, are facing more anxiety and depression, with one in three feeling depressed and one in four dealing with anxiety. ‘But the reality is a bit of stress in our lives isn’t a bad thing,’ says Berni. ‘Working under a bit of pressure sometimes produces really good results. But it’s like a guitar or a violin. If the strings aren’t under the right amount of tension and stress, they just don’t work the way they are supposed to.’
Stress is a part of life that cannot be avoided, and Berni believes there are many lessons from the Bible that can help us manage and reduce stress. He points to Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30, where He offers rest to those carrying heavy burdens.
‘We’re not made to be under that sort of constant pressure and stress,’ says Berni. ‘And yet many people live their lives like that. God cares so deeply about you, what you’re going through, and what stress you’re under. Jesus wants to lighten your load.’
Experiencing High Levels of Stress
Berni believes there are three main ways that people create extra stress for themselves. The first is neglecting their physical health. Many don’t take care of their bodies with good food, exercise, and enough sleep. The second cause of stress is self-doubt. We feel like we aren’t good enough, comparing ourselves to others and feeling we aren’t achieving as much.
‘Each one of us has been given a particular set of gifts and abilities,’ says Berni. ‘They’re all different, but they’re given by God. The gifts He’s given you, have been given by His sovereign will and choice. You are who you are because He made you that way. He didn’t make a mistake.’
Berni also encourages us to learn how to let go of our past burdens. Holding on to failures or grievances only adds to stress. He reminds us that a relationship with Jesus can help us find freedom from our past and look forward to a hopeful future. ‘The past is the past,’ says Berni. ‘You and I can’t change it. But God is in the business of setting us free from it.’
While some stress is inevitable, focusing on God’s promises and using practical ways to cope with stress is essential. ‘Once you learn to trust Him to do the things you can’t do,’ says Berni, ‘and provide the things that you need that you can’t acquire for yourself, the stress will be replaced by the most amazing peace and assurance.’
‘God absolutely loves you,’ says Berni. ‘And often we are going to be confronted with things that are much bigger than us. Pressure is different from stress. Pressure is out there, but stress is our reaction to it. And God doesn’t want you stressing out.’
Listen to Berni’s full message below:
