Sermon Notes

THE STRESSLESS LIFE

How Do I Keep from Being Stressed Out? (Week Two)

“The good news is that the presence of stress doesn’t need to dominate your life. Yes, we all experience apprehension and anxiety—we can’t escape from stress. But we can respond to stressful situations in a way that allows us to enjoy life, not just endure it. In fact, we can live in a way that’s defined not by anxiety and apprehension but by the unshakable presence of God’s indescribable peace.”—Vance Pitman (The Stressless Life, p.17-18)

1. WHY SHOULD I NOT STRESS?

Definition of “STRESS”: 

Fearful concern experienced when life’s demands seem greater than my ability to meet them

- Genuine concern (BURDEN) expresses itself in dependence on God—what will He do?

- Fearful concern (STRESS) expresses itself in dependence on self—what am I going to do?

1. WHY SHOULD I NOT STRESS?

1) Stress is not pleasing to God

2) Stress endangers my health, physically and spiritually

3) Stress is inconsistent with the character of God

4) Stress misrepresents the character of God to those around us

5) Stress doesn’t change anything (for the good)

III. HOW DO I KEEP STRESS OUT OF MY LIFE?

University of Colorado Boulder—Law School: “25 quick ways to reduce stress”

1—Breathe (also recommended if you’d like to STAY ALIVE)

2—Listen to music

4—Find the sun

8—Rub your feet over a golf ball

10—Squeeze a stress ball

15—Eat some chocolate

18—Chew gum

#12—Imagine yourself taking off your anxiety glasses and giving yourself a break (Cat graphic)

#13—Schedule time for your anxiety (Pic of Calendar phone app)

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

1) I must know God—“And the peace of God…” (v.7)

Spiritual Reality:

You cannot know the peace of God without knowing the God of peace (Share Gospel)

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”—Philippians 4:11-13

“When Christ lives in you, He brings every divine resource with Him. Every time you face a need, you meet it with the presence of the crucified, risen and triumphant Lord of the universe inhabiting you.”—Henry Blackaby

2) I must live my life in constant fellowship with God—“…in everything by prayer” (v.6)

“Living in fellowship with God means being aware of His presence in every moment of our lives. And not just being aware of His presence but resting and abiding in His closeness and care. It means inviting God into every part of our day not just by “believing” He is there but by communicating with Him. Fellowshipping with Him.”—Vance Pitman (The Stressless Life, p.54)

“But for me it is good to be near God …”—Ps.73:28a

3) I must be honest with God about the cares and concerns of my life

Spiritual Reality:

Trusting God at all times doesn’t mean you can’t be honest with God about all things.

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”—Psalm 62:8

“Turn the vessel of your soul upside down in His secret presence and let your inmost thoughts, desires, sorrows, and sins be poured out like water…Hide nothing from Him, for you can hide nothing.”—C.H. Spurgeon

4) I must be intentional about thanking God, especially in stressful situations that tempt me to be anxious

Spiritual Reality: 

Every struggle you encounter in life is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His faithfulness

“Feelings follow faith. Thus, thankfulness is the result of thanksgiving. And worry and genuine thankfulness cannot abide in the same heart.”—Clyde Cranford

“And the peace of God…”