Stress and anxiety have become a common part of life for many people. Whether it’s financial struggles, health concerns, relationship issues, or the pressures of daily responsibilities, the weight of worry can feel overwhelming. It can drain our energy, cloud our thinking, and even affect our physical health. But as believers, we are not meant to live in constant fear and anxiety.
God never intended for his children to carry the burdens of life alone. He invites us to find peace and rest in him. The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This verse is a powerful reminder that anxiety is not something we have to accept—it is something we can overcome with God’s help.
In this article, we will explore four simple yet powerful ways to overcome stress and anxiety. These steps are not complicated, but they require trust in God and a willingness to shift our focus from our worries to his promises. If you’ve been feeling anxious, discouraged, or overwhelmed, take heart. God’s peace is available to you today, and by applying these principles, you can experience the freedom and rest that he desires for you.
The Power of Faith and Prayer: A Journey Through Great Trials
Over the past year, I’ve navigated one of the toughest seasons of my life. Our company faced significant financial hurdles, struggling to meet payroll and fulfill other commitments. It was a crisis unlike any I’d ever experienced, shaking the very foundation of my faith and resolve.
During this turbulent time, I learned the importance of continual communication with God through prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) became my lifeline:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Before the crisis, these verses seemed like a distant, abstract and almost unattainable ideal. I often asked myself, how can we possibly pray without ceasing? How does one pray while working, when life is pulling in so many directions? The words felt theoretical at best.
But then the financial strain tightened its grip—salaries went unpaid, rent bills loomed, and uncertainty hovered like a shadow over every decision. It was in these very moments, overwhelmed and burdened, that I stumbled onto the deeper meaning of “praying without ceasing.” I found myself instinctively seeking God, not just in formal prayers, but in every pause, every breath, and every moment during or between tasks.
It wasn’t about abandoning my work for hours of prayer; it was about whispering to Him in my heart at every possible opportunity like a heart that beats without thinking.
With debts piling up, I felt like I was treading water, slowly being dragged down by an overwhelming tide. Losing loyal customers only added to my despair, and despite pouring resources into Facebook ads and other marketing strategies, nothing seemed to resonate. The silence was deafening.
One Saturday afternoon in February of this year, we set out on our usual monthly visit to orphans and widows. It was a journey fuelled by love and purpose, yet fate had a different plan.
Suddenly, a strange noise erupted from our vehicle—a sound that quickly faded, leaving us momentarily at ease. But soon, it returned, this time demanding our attention.
As we pulled over to inspect the issue, we were met with a disheartening reckoning: the engine had knocked, leaving us stranded.
I couldn’t help but wonder, why now? How can a car break down on our way to serve God? As I wrestled with my thoughts, I remembered Apostle Paul and the trials he endured in his devotion to the Lord. It was a powerful reminder service to the Lord does not necessarily shield you from satanic attacks.
Struggling to pay my son’s school fees was a situation I had never imagined facing, but here I was, negotiating with the school for more time to settle the bill. The weight of this novel burden was disheartening, a sharp reminder of how far things had spiralled.
A silver lining in all this? My connection to the Lord deepened. The channels of communication were always open—whether in the office, the car, or even the mall, my heart was consistently whispering and pleading for His mercy, protection and provision. This constant communion with God became my anchor, helping me maintain my sanity as I navigated an onslaught of challenges.
The adversary, relentless in his pursuit, threw a barrage of challenges my way. Near-miss collisions became an all-too-frequent occurrence. It was as if I was navigating a storm, where every turn seemed fraught with unseen dangers.
I’d merge onto the highway, convinced that the path ahead was clear, only to be jolted by the realization that another vehicle was perilously close. On other occasions, I’d watch in disbelief as a car veered into my lane, without signalling its intentions. If you’re a driver, you may have faced similar reckless manoeuvres, but when they occur with such alarming frequency, it’s hard not to take notice.
One afternoon this year, I had a near-miss that still leaves me in awe. I approached a red light fully aware I needed to stop but something strange happened. In an instant, it was as if my mind switched off—like an unseen force took over, leaving me momentarily disconnected from reality.
Just like that, in a series of split-second events, my awareness faded and then snapped back. The next thing I knew, the traffic light was right in front of me. Instinctively, I slammed on the brakes, stopping just in time before I could plow into the intersection. If I were thinking with a worldly mindset, I could credit the advanced braking system of the Mercedes Benz I was driving. But I know better.
That was God stepping in. I was seconds away from what could have been a catastrophic accident, but in His mercy, He shielded me. The financial and emotional reckoning of that crash would have been overwhelming, but God’s hand of protection saved me, and for that, I give Him all the glory.
These incidents weren’t just fleeting moments; they developed into a troubling pattern. My wife took note and began to watch the road with heightened vigilance, ready to alert me at a moment’s notice. In the midst of this turmoil, God has stretched out his arm preventing me from falling off the edge of a cliff.
His presence is undeniable, guiding and protecting me, reminding me that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from His love, just as Scripture beautifully affirms. Each experience became a testament to His unwavering faithfulness.
The world around might be chaotic, but God’s love and peace remain steadfast. These scriptures collectively highlight God’s steadfast, eternal, and unshakable love.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV): “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV): “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV): “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'”
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV): “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In hindsight, I realize the Lord had been warning me of an impending predicament through the repeated occurrence of a troubling dream. After the first dream, I prayed, but as it kept resurfacing, I became more fervent and aggressive in my prayers. Though the dream wasn’t explicit about what was to come, its unsettling nature made it clear that something wasn’t right. Looking back now, I see that God was sending me signals, urging me to be prepared.
Some might argue that I should have prayed more fervently to prevent the troubling events revealed in the dream from unfolding. However, God in His infinite wisdom may allow certain challenges to come our way to cultivate a key attribute within us—perseverance. As written in the book of James, trials have a way of strengthening our faith and building endurance.
James 1:2-4 (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Some of you may already be aware that the devil, in his cunning ways, approaches the Lord to seek permission to test our faith. The following scriptures bear witness to this truth:
Luke 22:31-32 (NIV): “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.
Job 1:9-12: “‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’ Satan replied. ‘Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? […] But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.’”
Whether the Lord agrees to the devil’s requests is ultimately His sovereign choice. God is fully in control, and nothing happens outside of His divine will and permission. God allows Satan to operate within specific limits for His own purposes, often to strengthen or refine the faith of His people. But God never allows Satan to act beyond what He deems necessary.
1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that God will never allow believers to be tested beyond what they can bear and will always provide a way out.
My struggles and relentless spiritual attacks haven’t merely tested me; they have strengthened my resilience. Through these trials, I’ve immersed myself more deeply in the spiritual realm, dedicating more quality time to my relationship with God than ever before. Scriptures that once seemed abstract or confusing have come alive, illuminated by my experiences and newfound understanding.
The storm may not have fully passed, but its fury is beginning to wane. Physically, I’m not entirely out of the woods, yet spiritually, I sense a breakthrough on the horizon. The devil has thrown everything at me, trying to break me, but by God’s grace, he has failed. Though the challenges remain, my business is still standing. The Lord, in His faithfulness, has not allowed a single bone in my body to be broken, despite the enemy’s countless attempts.
I’ve learned to take life one day at a time. Now, I truly understand what it means to rely completely on God. You wake up, get dressed, head to the office without any clear plan for how the bills will be paid—but somehow, by God’s grace, I make it through each day, largely unscathed.
This journey has given me a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare, filled with lessons that I can’t wait to share with you in this article. These experiences have not only strengthened my faith but have equipped me to face challenges with a newfound resilience and wisdom that I hope will inspire you as well.
The storm has not completely subsided but waning. I am not completely out of the woods in the physical sense but spiritually I feel am turning the corner. The devil has tried to break me but has not succeeded. Although, not out of the woods, my company still stands. The Lord has not permitted the devil to break a single born of my body despite his several attempts.
I take every day as it comes. I now know what it means to completely depend on the Lord. You wake up, dress up and show up to the office with no clear plan how to pay your bills. But somehow I am pulling through every single day largely unscathed.
I’ve grown in my understanding of spiritual warfare and gained valuable insights that I’m eager to share in this article. These lessons have not only enriched my faith but also equipped me to face challenges with newfound strength and wisdom.
Causes of Stress and Anxiety: How to Overcome Them
Faith in God
As Christians, we are called to live by faith—complete, unwavering dependence on the Lord to provide for our every need. Yet, for many, this principle remains more of an ideal than a reality. We often try to take matters into our own hands, spending sleepless nights crafting solutions, pacing back and forth in our minds, desperate to fix each problem. Even when we bring our troubles to the Lord in prayer, we can’t seem to let go. We continue to obsess over the outcome, not fully trusting God’s ability to handle our affairs.
This lack of faith is a key source of anxiety and distress for many believers. It’s as if we’ve got one foot in the camp of faith and the other in the camp of self-reliance, unsure which path to trust.
The journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land paints a vivid picture of this struggle. Despite witnessing some of the most extraordinary miracles in human history, they frequently succumbed to doubt and fear, grumbling against the very God who had delivered them.
At the Red Sea: Their journey was barely underway when they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s advancing army. Panic took hold, and they cried out in fear to Moses, wishing they had stayed in Egypt, where at least they weren’t facing certain death. This grumbling was remarkable, considering it came in the wake of God’s astonishing power displayed through the ten plagues that had freed them.
In the Wilderness: No sooner had they crossed the parted sea than they faced their next challenge—a lack of water. Instead of trusting in the God who had just performed the miraculous, they grumbled again. “What shall we drink?” they demanded. They had literally walked through walls of water, yet doubt set in the moment they grew thirsty.
Manna from Heaven: Their complaints didn’t end with water. When hunger set in, they longed for the comforts of Egypt, where they had been slaves. They forgot the misery of their bondage and fixated on the food they once enjoyed. God, in His grace, responded by providing manna from heaven. Yet even with daily miraculous bread falling from the sky, they weren’t satisfied. They yearned for the leeks, garlic, and luxuries of their old life.
Water from the Rock: Again, they faced thirst. And again, they quarreled with Moses, accusing him of bringing them to the wilderness to die. Despite the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna, and God’s ongoing guidance, they questioned whether the Lord was still with them. How quickly they forgot His faithfulness!
The Spies’ Report: Perhaps the most disheartening moment came when the Israelites stood on the verge of the Promised Land. They sent spies into Canaan, and when the majority returned with reports of giants, the people broke down in despair. They had seen God’s hand at work repeatedly, yet in the face of a new challenge, fear took over. They doubted their ability to conquer the land God had promised them, despite all He had done.
It’s almost unimaginable to us now. These people had witnessed wonders beyond anything we’ve seen—ten devastating plagues, the parting of a sea, water springing from a rock, and bread raining from heaven. And yet, they doubted. Over and over, God had to prove His power and faithfulness.
I often wonder: if I had been there, seeing those miracles with my own eyes, would I have struggled with doubt like they did? From where I stand now, it seems impossible. But the truth is, until we face a moment of crisis, we never truly know how strong our faith is.
Our Own Journey: Our lives mirror the Israelites’ journey in many ways. Just as the Lord led them with mighty acts, He leads us today. He heals us when we are sick, provides when we are in need, and carries us through trials. Yet, just like the Israelites, when new challenges arise, we often find ourselves doubting Him all over again.
How many times has God come through for us, only for us to falter in our trust when the next trial comes? We forget the times He provided, allowing our present fear to overshadow the faithfulness of the past. In those moments, we are no different from the Israelites, grumbling in the wilderness despite all we’ve seen.
Moving Forward in Faith: The lesson is clear: if we’re to experience true peace, we must learn to trust God fully—not just in the easy moments but in the hard ones too. The God who parted the Red Sea and rained manna from heaven is the same God who walks with us today. And just as He proved Himself faithful to the Israelites, He will prove Himself faithful to us. We just need to let go of the doubt, stop trying to solve everything on our own, and place both feet firmly in the camp of faith.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by fear and panic when facing life’s challenges. As long as we are in this flesh, our faith will be tested, and doubts will arise. The key question is: What do we do when fear strikes? The answer lies in staying connected to Jesus. Continuously talk to Him, calling on the Holy Spirit to strengthen you. As you keep your heart fixed on the Lord, fear begins to fade. Remember Jesus’ words in John 15:4-5—we are nothing and can do nothing apart from Him. Trust grows as we remain in Him.
Limited Knowledge of God
A medical doctor spends years in school, studying complex medical concepts before they are qualified to practice. Yet, many Christians often neglect investing the same dedication in truly understanding who God is and what He requires of us. To truly know God, we must take time to learn and reflect on His Word. By studying the Bible’s stories—of men and women who endured challenges and found victory—we can gain insight and encouragement.
Take, for example, David, a man after God’s own heart. How would we know about his life, his struggles, and how he navigated them without personal study of the Word? But how can we uncover these treasures without personally engaging with the Word? How can we grasp the resilience displayed by these men of God in the face of adversity? While I recognize the weight of your current struggles, the bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (NIV) that there is nothing new under the sun:
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, ‘Look! This is something new’? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.”
You might feel like your trials are unparalleled until you hear the experiences of others. I am reminded of this truth during a visit to a hospital in Uganda. I was there for some tests, and while waiting, I struck up a conversation with a lady I assumed to be in her 60s. What I learned from her left me in awe.
This incredible lady was battling breast cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and a heart condition! She recounted how all the days of the week were spent shuttling between clinics, managing a complex regimen of medications, all while needing to drink copious amounts of water to keep her body in balance.
Yet, despite her health issues, she was full of gratitude, her faith as strong as a rock, and her spirit undeterred. She smiled and conversed as if she had no troubles at all, expressing no bitterness but only thankfulness to the Lord. Her strength deeply moved me, and I could only tell her, “God’s grace is sufficient for you.”
Many of you may be familiar with a certain Mr. Job from the Bible. Let me quickly run through the highlights of his story:
The story of Job is one of the Bible’s most compelling accounts of suffering and faith, showing us that even the righteous are not immune to hardship. Job was a man who loved God deeply and lived a life of integrity, yet he endured trials that would test him to the core. For anyone going through hard times, Job’s journey provides a story of resilience and steadfastness in God, even when all seems lost.
Job’s troubles began suddenly and without warning. In one day, he received news that would change his life completely. All of his livestock—his livelihood and wealth—was destroyed. Raiders stole his animals, and fires and storms devastated what remained. In that same day, Job faced his most painful loss of all: his children. While gathered together in one home, a fierce wind struck, collapsing the house and killing all of his sons and daughters. Job, a man who had once known prosperity and peace, was left with nothing, his heart shattered by the loss of those dearest to him.
Amidst this intense grief, Job remained faithful. In his mourning, he tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground in worship, saying, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). Despite his profound loss, Job did not curse God. Instead, he clung to his faith, recognizing that everything he had was from God.
But his suffering did not end there. Job’s own body became afflicted with painful sores from head to toe. He sat among ashes, scraping himself with broken pottery to find some relief. His suffering was not only deep but relentless, affecting him physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even those closest to him could not understand his pain. His wife, overcome with despair, urged him to curse God and die, unable to see any hope left in their situation.
Job’s friends came to visit, intending to comfort him. Yet, rather than offering compassion, they began to accuse him, suggesting that he must have sinned to deserve such punishment. Job, who had already lost so much, now felt the sting of being misunderstood and judged by his own friends. Isolated in his pain, Job struggled to understand why all this had happened, even pleading with God for answers. He cried out in anguish, questioning his purpose and wondering why he was born, expressing a depth of sorrow and confusion familiar to anyone who has experienced great suffering.
Despite his unanswered questions and the silence he felt from God, Job did not abandon his faith. He held on, even as his world crumbled around him. He declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). Job did not know why he was suffering, but he trusted in God’s wisdom, believing that his story was part of a plan he could not yet see.
By engaging and meditating on the word, you will find this preceding story about Job and other men of God who endured suffering and overcame. Not only will you will be enriched and encouraged by their experiences, their journeys with God can provide some sort of a roadmap or guide for you when you face challenges.
Romans 15:4 (NIV): “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”
This verse highlights the power of scripture as a source of comfort, strength, and hope during difficult times. It reminds us that the stories, teachings, and lessons in the bible serve as a foundation for our endurance and encouragement today.
We can’t forget that the devil works around the clock to find one to devour. He is as vicious as described in 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV): “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
The devil is always at it trying to influence our mind with a lot of negativity. He bombards your mind with thoughts like- it is impossible, you will not make it, you will not overcome your anxiety. The goal is to push you to the edge of a cliff or create a mountain out of a small issue.
With scriptures on your fingertips, you can easily overcome negative thinking patterns and restore some sanity in your mind. When we regularly study God’s Word, we realize that our circumstances aren’t unique. Job, David, Joseph, and many others in the bible faced situations similar to ours.
If God came through for them, He will come through for us, too. As we learn what they did in the midst of their trials, how God responded, and how long their challenges lasted, we gain wisdom.
Although we can’t fully understand God’s ways, we gain insights into His character by studying the lives of these biblical figures. This knowledge is essential, not just for the trials we face, but for our entire journey as believers.
Personally, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace whenever I open the Bible. I don’t know what it is, but every time I study God’s Word, I feel relaxed and reassured.
Without knowledge of God, we have no inspiration to look up to in tough times. Imagine you’re going through a tough time, and then you stumble onto a scripture like Psalm 34:19: “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” How uplifting would that be? That’s the kind of peace and hope God’s Word provides.
We must not wait for Sunday service to hear the word of God from the pastor. We need to sit down read and meditate on the word to have a proper understanding of things of God. In tough times, drawing from this knowledge can be a great source of comfort and peace-the comfort comes from the deep knowledge of God and how he works.
Relationship with God
Many Christians have journeyed with the Lord for years, yet peace still slips through their fingers. We may pray, read the Bible, and faithfully attend church, but deep inside, we wrestle with inner turmoil. The source of this unrest often isn’t the size of our problems, but the gap in our relationship with Jesus.
Imagine a mother and her child for a moment. When the child is nestled in her arms, there is no fear, no restlessness—just pure joy and contentment. The world around them could be in chaos, but in the mother’s presence, the child feels an unshakable sense of safety. The child knows, with absolute certainty, that no matter what comes, they can run to their mother. She’ll always be there, arms wide open, ready to comfort, protect, and encourage.
In the same way, God stands beside us, His arms outstretched, waiting to catch us when we fall, to hold us in His embrace, and to give us the peace we so deeply crave. Just as the child’s peace comes from trusting their mother fully, our peace comes when we completely trust in Jesus.
In John 15:4-5, Jesus invites us to stay close to Him, saying: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me… Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
What Jesus is saying is profound: we are like branches connected to Him, the true Vine. When we stay connected—through prayer, faith, and daily seeking Him—our lives produce beautiful fruit. And that fruit includes peace, joy, strength, and contentment. But if we disconnect, trying to handle life on our own, we become like severed branches—withered, anxious, and burdened with stress.
Let me share a personal story. Back in July 2024, my wife and I were involved in a major business project. We had a business partner who, every day, was overwhelmed by the fear of things going wrong. He would confess to having sleepless nights, consumed by worry about missing deadlines. The pressure was real for all of us, but while he was tossing and turning, I found myself resting deeply each night. My sleep was peaceful and restorative, despite facing the same challenges.
Why? Because I stayed connected to Jesus. I kept praying, continually lifting up my worries to the Lord. I prayed without ceasing in my heart and trusted Him to take care of what I couldn’t control. I wasn’t blind to the risks or oblivious to the reality of the situation—far from it. But in the midst of the storm, I experienced peace. Meanwhile, our partner, disconnected from the source of true peace, tried to carry the burden alone and found himself exhausted and anxious.
Friends, this is the peace Jesus desires for each of us—not stress, not sleepless nights, but true, unshakable peace. However, we can only experience that peace when we stay connected to Him, like a branch to the vine. Trying to navigate life apart from Him leaves us like those fruitless branches—tired, anxious, and struggling under the weight of our problems. So, let us remain in Him, and in doing so, find the peace and rest our souls long for. Below I share additional related scriptures to help you in your journey
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV): “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Psalm 145:18 (NIV): “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Love for Materialism
For those who studied economics, I want to remind you of the Economic Principle of Insatiable Wants, often referred to as the Law of Unlimited Wants. This principle suggests that human desires are endless; as soon as one need is fulfilled, new ones emerge. This inherent desire for more has led many Christians into a cycle of endless stress as they strive to satisfy their unquenchable thirst for material possessions.
Christians are not called to indulge in earthly riches. Consider the desire for materialism: you may dream of owning a car, and when you finally purchase one, you experience happiness for a brief time. For instance, when I bought my first Toyota, I was thrilled. I would admire it, saying, “This is mine,” and I would drive it around just for the joy of it. However, a few years later, the excitement faded, and I found myself admiring more luxurious cars.
I have since driven various brands and now drive a Mercedes Benz, yet I still find myself looking forward to owning the latest models! Isn’t this the nature of humanity? The flesh is never satisfied; it always demands more. This insatiable desire has driven many to engage in unethical behavior. Numerous high-profile individuals are behind bars for acts of misconduct, and I often wonder: with all their wealth, why do they resort to such unconventional means to satisfy their desires?
This leads me to the conclusion that we cannot quench the flesh’s desires. Our relentless pursuit of wealth often leaves us worn out and makes us appear older than our years. We neglect our health, forgo rest, and become too preoccupied with accumulating possessions.
I recall a hot summer day in Botswana around 2011, when I was hurriedly walking to meet deadlines. I didn’t initially notice an elderly man until he stopped me and said, “Jesus loves you.” Without another word, he continued on his way. His simple statement made me pause and reflect. In that moment of silence, I realized the excessive stress I had placed on my body and the lack of inner and outer tranquility that I believe this man recognized in a single glance.
“Was the old man human or an angel?” I still wonder. There was something extraordinary about that encounter that I cannot fully explain. Beloved, the uncontrolled pursuit of earthly things robs us of sleep, diminishes our time with God, takes away precious moments with family, and significantly contributes to the stress we face as we strive for unattainable goals.
Let’s add some scriptures for context:
Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NIV): “Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.”
My take: This verse encapsulates the subject. Contentment and peace (even with less) far outweigh the stress and emptiness associated with abundance and chasing after more. It encourages a lifestyle that values tranquillity over excess, urging us to embrace simplicity rather than becoming entangled in the exhausting pursuit of wealth.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 (NIV): “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.”
My take: This verse resonates deeply, highlighting that the primary benefit of accumulating material possessions often boils down to merely admiring them and feeling a sense of pride in one’s hard work. However, this pride does not significantly enhance our happiness. In fact, the pursuit of material wealth can lead to more stress and anxiety, as it often brings with it increased responsibilities and expectations. Instead of bringing peace, the accumulation of things can disrupt our sleep and add to our burdens.
Luke 12:15 (NIV): “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’”
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 (NIV): “What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.”
My take: This verse speaks directly to my heart. A few years ago, I realized I had been living a life dominated by toil and stress. After the loss of our parents, my siblings and I faced some very tough times. A deep-seated fear of returning to that life of scarcity shaped my every move. Subconsciously, I began to see each opportunity—whether in my studies or work—as if it were my last, constantly striving with a sense of urgency and anxiousness that there might not be another chance.
This mindset dictated my actions, thoughts, and even my quality of life. At times, fear clouded my judgment, making it difficult to see beyond survival and security. This anxious striving eventually took a toll on my mental and physical health, initially appearing as physical pain and later developing into an anxiety disorder—a struggle I had to confront over several years.
In hindsight, if I could turn back the clock, I wish I had a deeper understanding of God’s word. I would have leaned more on Him, rather than relying solely on my own understanding. With faith as my foundation, I could have lived a calmer life, taking each day as it comes while striving to balance work and rest. Embracing God’s guidance could have transformed my experience, allowing me to navigate life with more peace and assurance.
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 (NIV): “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
My take: King Solomon, regarded as the wisest and wealthiest man to ever live—with an estimated fortune of $2 to $3 trillion in today’s terms—experienced every pleasure and luxury this world had to offer. Yet, after a life filled with unparalleled wealth and indulgence, he came to a profound realization: it was all vanity, like chasing after the wind. His wisdom here calls us to listen carefully. Genuine contentment cannot be found in earthly riches. Instead, it resides in a deeper spiritual fulfilment that transcends material possessions.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NIV): “And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
In closing, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the reality of our world: pain and sorrow are woven into life around us. Every meal we enjoy, every drink we take, every laugh we share—these are the mercies God has permitted us. I remember watching my late mother deep in thought and wondered why she seemed so burdened. When I asked, she’d say, “Growing up is like living under a sentence,” explaining that as you mature, you see and experience things that weigh down your thoughts.
I know a thing or two about pain and sorrow. I lost my father at thirteen, and my mother passed away just four years later. I know what it’s like to bear pain quietly, to hold my peace in the face of unfair treatment, to live at the mercy of someone else’s kindness.
Enduring these struggles without the support of my parents eventually led to a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). For those unfamiliar, GAD is an overwhelming state of fear and worry, often without any obvious reason.
I overcame GAD. Having emerged from this epic journey, this and other experiences have not only qualified me but given me deep compassion and understanding for anyone caught in the grip of worry, fear, or stress—whatever its cause.
From what I’ve observed, though there are a few exceptions, the majority of us are naturally predisposed to think that things are more likely to go wrong than right. Still, each of us has a unique disposition toward fear and worry, a distinct degree of concern over life’s unknowns.
Otherwise, how else do we explain the Israelites’ lack of faith in God’s abilities despite witnessing miracles beyond human understanding? They, like us, saw challenges and feared the worst. The devil knows well how to exploit this inherent weakness, using it to advance his aims and keep us from peace.
Reflection: Take a moment to recall scenarios or events from your past that you worried about but never came to pass. Do you realize how much tranquillity you’ve robbed yourself of in anticipation of these fears that never materialized?
In my own recent financial storm, I’ve found myself calm rather than consumed by the anxiety I once suffered. This peace doesn’t come from my own strength but from abiding in Christ, as we are reminded in John 15:4-5 (NKJV): “Abide in Me, and I in you.” I’m fully aware of my situation but undeterred by it. The more deeply we root ourselves in Him, the less any circumstance can disturb our tranquillity.
I may not know what you’re currently facing, but if you abide in Him, I believe you will overcome and find true peace. Waiting for perfect conditions to feel joy might mean waiting a lifetime. If you’re anchored in Christ, no storm can take away your peace.
While I’m not a psychologist or licensed therapist by worldly standards, I am spiritually ordained by Jesus to support those facing mental health battles. I believe God allowed me to walk through these struggles so I could relate to others on a personal level.
If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress, feel free to reach out via email or message me privately. Let us share our experiences for solo purpose of encouraging each other.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and your mind.
