LORD, TEACH ME HOW TO OVERCOME STRESS

LORD, TEACH ME HOW TO OVERCOME STRESS

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This is a bible study on the topic of stress. The goal of this Bible study is to help develop habits that are God focused and not emotionally driven. Stress can cause us to react in unhealthy ways, both spiritually and physically, and we don’t always recognize this. This Bible study contains 7 lessons, each containing scripture, a topical question, a prayer verse, the lesson questions, and the author’s thoughts.

LESSON 1:
I CAN OVERCOME STRESS BY….

This study aims to provide an easy-to-remember option for handling everyday stresses. Each lesson covers a different letter of the word STRESS and is rooted in scripture to help grow and strengthen your faith. 

SCRIPTURE:
II Corinthians 1:4-7

TOPICAL QUESTION:
Is your initial reaction to stress rooted in your faith or personal emotions?

PRAYER VERSE:
I Peter 1:13-16

Savior. I can overcome stress by remembering my Savior.
Thankful. I can overcome stress by being Thankful.
Realize and Release. I can overcome stress when I Realize and Release.  
Evaluate. I can overcome stress through Evaluation.
Seek. I can overcome stress by Seeking the peace of God.
Soul. I can overcome Stress by finding rest for my Soul.

Lesson questions

  1. What emotions do you experience when you’re going through stressful situations?
Author’s Thoughts:

It depends on the situation. It may be anger and disappointment, hurt and sadness, or worry and anxiety.

  1. When in a stressful situation, what is your initial reaction? Is it rooted in faith or yourself?
Author’s Thoughts:

Again, it depends on the situation. But, no matter what emotions I am experiencing, I want to act on them. If I am hurt or angry I want those who created this pain to know how I am feeling. If I am sad or worried my first reaction is to close myself off from everyone around me. My reactions will depend on the situation, but the initial reaction is usually rooted in self-pity, not God.

  1. Have you asked God why you have to experience trials and tribulations?
Author’s Thoughts:

Yes, I would be lying if I said no. 

  1. Read II Corinthians 1:4-7 two times using two different Bible versions.
Author’s Thoughts:

Read the NKJV and BBE versions

  1. Answer the following questions, basing your answers on II Corinthians 1:4-7.
    • Are you going to experience trials and tribulations, which will create stress?
    • How can we turn our stressful situations into a blessing?
    • Can God relate to how we are feeling?
Author’s Thoughts:

a. Yes. It says who gives us comfort in all troubles. If life were without troubles, trials, and tribulations, this verse wouldn’t exist.
b. By comforting others who are experiencing similar situations. We are to comfort others because God comforts us.
c. Yes. Verse 5 is saying that we are experiencing what Christ has already gone through. This is why He can comfort us – because He can relate to how we are feeling.

  1. What’s the importance of question 5?
Author’s Thoughts:

We need to realize that we will have troubles, trials and tribulations in our life. Everyone will. God knows this, and He is trying to prepare us mentally so we will not be caught off guard, dazed and confused. He is saying it’s going to happen, I will comfort you, and you need to comfort the next person.

  1. Read I Peter 1:13-16.
    When we are in the midst of overwhelming stress, God calls us to be Godly! Use this passage from scripture to pray for yourself and other believers.
Author’s Thoughts:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Your word tells us that we will experience hard times. Your word also tells us that you will comfort us because you have already experienced these troubles. In Jesus name, I pray for myself and all believers. I pray for Your help. Help me and all believers to prepare our minds for the upcoming troubles we will encounter. I pray we stay sober-minded so we can be fully dependent on You and not worldly devices. Let us rely on You and not the world. Help us to be obedient to You, and our conduct to be holy in Your sight.

LESSON 2:
S IS FOR SAVIOR
I can overcome stress by remembering my Savior.

Lesson 2. John 17:20-26 is a prayer Jesus prayed for ALL who believe in Him. In this lesson, you will learn what Jesus wants for all believers and why it’s important to know in order to conquer stress. Begin in prayer, review the previous lessons, and then answer this lesson’s questions.

SCRIPTURE:
John 17:20-26

TOPICAL QUESTION:
Did you know that Jesus tells us what He wants for all believes?

PRAYER VERSE:
Philippians 4:19-20

Savior. I can overcome stress by remembering my Savior.

Lesson Questions

  1. Begin by reading the Focus Scripture twice, using two different bible translations.
Author’s Thoughts:

Read scripture using NKJV and BBE versions.

  1. Explain what Jesus wants for ALL believers and the world in the following verses: John 17:21, 22, 23.
    • Verse 21:
      For Believers
      For the world
    • Verse 22:
      For Believers
    • Verse 23:
      For Believers
      For the world
Author’s Thoughts:

Verse 21 – Believers – Jesus prays that we are all one, and one with God. Christians should be united together and not separated and divided.
The world – Jesus prays that nonbelievers will believe that the Father sent the Son.
Verse 22 – Believers – Jesus prays that all believers will be one, like the Son and Father are one.
Verse 23 – Believers – Jesus prays that believers are made perfect, complete, because they are one (one with Christ).
The world – Jesus prays that ALL men will know the Father sent the Son, and that they are loved by the Father. He prays that they know they are loved by the Father, exactly like He loves the Son.

  1. How do His prayers for us relate to His prayers for the world?
Author’s Thoughts:

If we live as one as believers, and live as one with Christ, unsaved people in this world will become saved. If His prayer for us is answered, His prayer for nonbelievers will be answered.

  1. Why is it important to remember what Jesus prayed for you, as a believer?
Author’s Thoughts:

Our life has an impact on those who don’t believe in Jesus. They see us and will respond accordingly. If we act in a way that doesn’t reflect that we are one with Christ, why would they want to believe in Jesus? Our life has an impact on other believers. If I don’t act like we are united together by Christ, that will be discouraging for our fellow believers in Christ.

  1. What is a situation that would create stress and anxiety for you?
    Thinking about Jesus’ prayer, how that affects believers and nonbelievers, how can you overcome that stress and anxiety by remembering your Savior’s prayer?
Author’s Thoughts:

Family situations that make me feel ignored and unimportant. Choices that put my family members in bad situations. I need to realize that my stress is NOT as important as Jesus’ prayer being answered.
I need to decide how to react to my stress. Will my reaction show that I am one with Christ and other believers?

  1. Take time to pray for yourself. Pray that God, through the Holy Spirit, will help you to remember your Savior’s prayer for you, especially during times of stress and anxiety. Also, pray for confidence. Confidence in your prayers, actions, faith, and the ability to live out His prayer.
Author’s Thoughts:

Personal Prayer

  1. Finish this lesson by praying for ALL believers. Base your prayer on Philippians 4:19-20. 
Author’s Thoughts:

Dear Heavenly Father, You alone will and can provide believers with all their needs. Help all believers realize their needs (not wants, but needs) so they can come to You with those needs. Help all believers realize that we are united together in Christ. You love each of us and want to provide for the needs of all believers. Help us to come to You with those needs. Help us to feel united. Help us to live as if we know we are united with Christ. Help us to put You before emotional reactions. Help us to remember just how much You love us! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

LESSON 3:
T IS FOR THANKFUL
I can overcome stress by being Thankful.

Lesson 3. In this lesson, you will learn how often God wants us to be thankful. We can not overcome stress by focusing on the negative. Begin in prayer, review the previous lesson, and then begin answering this lesson’s questions.

SCRIPTURE:
Colossians 3:17, I Thessalonians 5:16-18

TOPICAL QUESTION:
Do you thank God during stressful moments?

PRAYER VERSE:
Psalm 34:1-3

SAVIOR. I can overcome stress by remembering my Savior
THANKFUL. I can overcome stress by being Thankful.

Lesson Questions

  1. Begin by reading the scripture twice, using two different bible translations
Author’s Thoughts:

Read scripture using NKJV and BBE versions

  1. What is your typical reaction when experiencing stress for any reason?
Author’s Thoughts:

I typically want to act on my emotions. I used to react however I felt, but now, I try to think first. I want to be a good witness through my reaction to believers and nonbelievers. I feel guilty after the fact when I make the wrong choice.

  1. According to Colossians 3:17 and I Thessalonians 5:16-18, what should we do in ALL situations, even when we are overcome by stress?
Author’s Thoughts:

God wants us to have joy, keep praying, praise Him, and do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

  1. Will it be hard for you to start thanking and praising God when your initial reaction is NOT doing the will of God?
Author’s Thoughts:

Yes, it can be hard to start a new habit, even when we know it’s what God wants us to do. Even though we know thanking and praising God is the right choice, it can be hard when we are overwhelmed with emotions.

  1. The scripture reading focuses on thanking and praising God. How can this help you overcome stress?
Author’s Thoughts:

It changes my perspective. God doesn’t want me to focus on the negative and go deeper and deeper down a path that only leads to more stress. He wants us to see how blessed and loved we are! When we do this, we see that there is always joy and peace from God that we can cling to. Negative leads to more stress, positive leads to love, joy, and peace.

  1. I believe this lesson is the most important one! If we praise God in the storm, our focus will not be on the storm itself, but on our actions because of the storm. Write out the scripture verses, and try to commit them to memory.
Author’s Thoughts:

And whatever you do, in word or in act, do all in the name of the Lord. Colossians 3:17
Have joy at all times. Keep on with your prayers. In everything give praise: For this is the purpose of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

  1. Finish this lesson by praying for yourself and all believers. Base your prayer on this lesson and Psalm 34:1-3.
Author’s Thoughts:

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to remember that everything I do should be done for You. So, please help me to be joyful, thankful, and looking to You – always, and not only when I get overwhelmed! Help all believers do this too. I pray for all Christians, not just those I know, but all believers around the world. Help us to be thankful all the time. Help us to praise God always! Help us to realize that we can’t do this on our own. We need You and we need to follow You! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

LESSON 4:
R IS FOR REALIZE AND RELEASE
I can overcome stress when I Realize and Release.

Lesson 4. In this lesson, you will learn what Scripture says about the importance of realizing and releasing our emotions in a Godly manner. Begin in prayer, review the previous lesson, and then begin answering lesson 5’s questions.

SCRIPTURE:
Ephesians 4:25-32

TOPICAL QUESTION:
Do you realize how you are reacting to stress in the moment?

PRAYER VERSE:
Philippians 4:6-9

SAVIOR. I can overcome stress by remembering my Savior
THANKFUL. I can overcome stress by being Thankful.
REALIZE AND RELEASE. I can overcome stress when I Realize and Release.

Lesson Questions

  1. Begin by reading this lesson’s scripture two times, using two different bible translations.  
Author’s Thoughts:

NKJV & BBE

  1. It can be hard not to get angry when you feel like you are stressed beyond your limit.
    When you get stressed, do you find it hard not to sin? Explain
Author’s Thoughts:

Yes. My first reactions are usually based on my personal feelings, my emotions. I realize this mid-sin because I am acting on my anger, or I have negative thoughts or words, because my feelings are hurt. It’s very hard to control my initial reactions.

  1. What does this scripture tell us NOT to do?
Author’s Thoughts:

We should not:
lie, be angry and sin, stay angry, give opportunity for the devil to enter, do evil, have bad speech, or be upset with the Holy Spirit.

  1. What does the scripture tell us to do?
Author’s Thoughts:

We should:
Do good, have good speech. We should remove bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speech. We need to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

  1. REALIZE: Why is it important to realize your emotions before you act on them?
Author’s Thoughts:

We need to have a Godly reaction – if we don’t make a conscious effort to realize how we are feeling, we may react in an ungodly manner, doing exactly what this passage tells us NOT to do.

  1. RELEASE: Why is it important to release your emotions in a Godly way?
Author’s Thoughts:

Verses 28, 29, and 32 remind us that when we release our emotions, it will impact others. Even if the stressful situation is not caused by a specific person, how we release our emotions impacts those around us.

  1. Read the prayer scripture for this lesson. Take time to use these verses to ask God to help you realize and release your emotions in a healthy, positive, Godly manner.
Author’s Thoughts:

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to realize where I fall short when reacting to stressful situations. Help me NOT to be anxious, but instead to go to You in prayer. I need to focus on being thankful in all situations, and still go to You with my request. I pray for Your peace, God! To feel it, and let it guard my heart, soul, and spirit. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

  1. It’s important to release your emotions in a Godly, healthy manner. List ways you can release your emotions, after you realize you are or about to release them sinfully or in an unhealthy way.
Author’s Thoughts:

* Sometimes, saying and doing nothing, until I have time to realize, may be best.
*Taking a moment to breathe and focus on God and His will. This may mean I need to have time to myself.
*Pray for God’s peace.
*Be Thankful! Think of what I should be thankful for

LESSON 5:
E IS FOR EVALUATE
I can overcome stress through Evaluation.

Lesson 5. In this lesson, you will learn that God wants us to take time to evaluate. You will also understand why this is important. Begin in prayer, review the previous lesson, and then begin answering lesson 5’s questions.

SCRIPTURE:
Psalms 4:4

TOPICAL QUESTION:
How often do you evaluate before and after you react to stress?

PRAYER VERSE:
I Peter 5:8-11

SAVIOR. I can overcome stress by remembering my Savior.
THANKFUL. I can overcome stress by being Thankful.
REALIZE AND RELEASE. I can overcome stress when I Realize and Release.
EVALUATE. I can overcome stress through Evaluation.

Lesson Questions

  1. Read the scripture twice, in two different translations. Write out Psalms 4:4. 
Author’s Thoughts:

NKJV & BBE

  1. What do you think is the main takeaway from this verse?
Author’s Thoughts:

You can be angry, you can have emotions, but you can’t act in a sinful manner because of your emotions. Instead, you need to think about it and be still, doing this in private.

  1. During situations that create stress within you, why is it important not to act on your emotions?
Author’s Thoughts:

Because our actions might not be a good, godly reaction, but sinful.

  1. In what ways does/can your emotions cause you to sin?
Author’s Thoughts:

As the verse says, anger might lead to sin. I sometimes react before thinking.

  1. Instead of acting on our emotions, which can cause us to sin, God calls us to evaluate (Psalms 4:4 uses the word meditate). What aspects of stressful situations should we be evaluating.
Author’s Thoughts:

I should evaluate my own actions, thoughts, and reactions. I should also be evaluating what God wants me to do or not do. Lastly, I should evaluate the situation so I can learn from it.

  1. Should you evaluate the situation when you are distracted by life or when you are alone with God? Explain your answer.
Author’s Thoughts:

Both. I need to evaluate right away so I don’t sin I also need to evaluate when I am alone with God so I can stay focused on God and His will, and to learn from the experience. I want to be able to continue to focus on the correct things, and sometimes that means that I need to take time to be alone with God immediately, and then reevaluate again later that day. 

  1. Read I Peter 5:8-11.
    Use this passage from scripture to help you pray for the strength and clarity to evaluate when you encounter a stressful situation. Write a prayer in the space provided below.
Author’s Thoughts:

Heavenly Father, help me to be clear-minded and vigilant in my thoughts and actions so that the devil can’t take advantage of my weaknesses. Help me to be faithful to following your word! Thank You for your promises! You have promised to call me home after we have lived this life and experienced everything that involves. God perfect me, establish my path, strengthen and settle me! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

LESSON 6:
S IS FOR SEEK
I can overcome stress by Seeking the peace of God.

Lesson 6. In this lesson, you will learn why we need to seek God, and the peace He can give us. Begin in prayer, review the previous lesson, and then begin answering this lesson’s questions.

SCRIPTURE:
I Chronicles 16:11, Deuteronomy 31:8

TOPICAL QUESTION:
Do you seek the peace that only God can give you?

PRAYER VERSE:
Hebrews 4:16

SAVIOR. I can overcome stress by remembering my Savior
THANKFUL. I can overcome stress by being Thankful.
REALIZE AND RELEASE. I can overcome stress when I Realize and Release.
EVALUATE. I can overcome stress through Evaluation.
SEEK. I can overcome stress by Seeking the peace of God.

Lesson Questions

  1. Read the Scripture twice, in two different translations.
Author’s Thoughts:

NKJV, BBE

  1. We need to seek the peace of God when we are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Does Deuteronomy 31:8 bring you that peace? Explain.
Author’s Thoughts:

It should. God tells us not to fear because He is with us, He will help us, and He is in front of us on our path.

  1. Search Scripture for verses that speak about the peace of God. Choose one verse that you found that will help you remember to seek that peace when you need it most. Write out the verse you chose.
Author’s Thoughts:

Romans 15:13, 16:20, 1 Corinthians 14:33. 2 Corinthians 13:11. Philippians 4:7. Colossians 3:15.

  1. How will a spirit of peace help you overcome stress?
Author’s Thoughts:

It will give me a sense of peace and calmness that will and can overcome stress and anxiety. Peace will not let me act out my anger. Peace will enable me to forgive – even if it’s myself that needs forgiven.

  1. Read this lesson’ Scripture again, including the prayer Scripture, Hebrews 5:16.
    You are not alone. God is with you in your time of need. Explain in your own words how God can bring you peace if you seek Him wholeheartedly.
Author’s Thoughts:

If we seek Him wholeheartedly and faithfully, He will give us a peace that only He can give us. Peace means we don’t have to fear or be anxious. Instead, we can trust that God is helping us – and let him show us His grace, mercy, and peace.

  1. Use this lesson’s prayer scripture to pray. Write your prayer out, asking God to help you to seek His peace when you need it most. 
Author’s Thoughts:

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you. I seek Your face, I seek Your presence right now, and when I need it most! Help me to see You when I seek out Your presence! Thank You God, for wanting to give me Your peace! Show me Your grace and mercy! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Lesson 7:
S IS FOR SOUL
I can overcome stress by finding rest for my Soul.

Lesson 7. In this lesson, you will learn how scripture guides us to find rest for our soul. Begin in prayer, review the Live it Out section from the last section, and then begin answering this section’s questions.

SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 57:1, Matthew 11:28-30

TOPICAL QUESTION:
How often do you try to find rest for your soul?

PRAYER REQUEST:
I Peter 5:10-11

SAVIOR. I can overcome stress by remembering my Savior
THANKFUL. I can overcome stress by being Thankful.
REALIZE AND RELEASE. I can overcome stress when I Realize and Release.
EVALUATE. I can overcome stress through Evaluation.
SEEK. I can overcome stress by Seeking the peace of God.
SOUL. I can overcome stress by finding rest for my Soul.

Lesson Questions

  1. Read this lesson’s Scripture twice, in two different translations.
Author’s Thoughts:

NKJV, BBE

  1. Stress can take a toll on your body, mind, and spirit. According to Matthew 11:38, what does Jesus want to give us?
Author’s Thoughts:

Jesus wants to give us rest.

  1. Psalm 57:1 is a reminder that we are to put our trust in God. Rewrite this verse in your own words.
Author’s Thoughts:

Show forgiveness and compassion to me, God. I trust in You with all my heart and soul. I will take refuge in You, let the shadow of Your wings protect me until my troubles have passed.

  1. Matthew 11:29-30 describes Jesus. In your own words, what are these two verses telling us about Jesus?
Author’s Thoughts:

Jesus wants us to learn from Him, on how to find rest. Jesus is gentle, humble, and wants to give us His light burden.

  1. Why do you think Jesus wants to give us His yoke (and take ours)?
Author’s Thoughts:

Because He wants us to find peace and rely on Him and not ourselves. He wants us to find rest from the troubles of life.

  1. Read this lesson’s scripture verse out loud. Why do you think it is important to find rest for your soul?
Author’s Thoughts:

The rest that Jesus can give me sounds way better for me than trying to do it my own way!

  1. Read 1 Peter 5:10.
  1. Read 1 Peter 5:10 again, but this time use it as a prayer. Change it to a singular, personalized prayer – use me and I instead of us and you!

We hope you search our website, Christian Fellowshipping, for more encouraging ways to fellowship with God and other believes. To learn about salvation and what it means read What is Salvation and God’s Promise of Salvation, it will guide you through this with scripture.

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