Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5559 stress

A state of personal anxiety, strain or tension resulting from the pressures of human life. Scripture indicates a number of causes and means of dealing with stress.

The experience of stress

Psalm 38:8; Mark 14:33-39 pp Matthew 26:37-44 pp Luke 22:39-46 2 Corinthians 1:8 See also Job 6:2; Psalm 77:2; Jeremiah 4:19; John 12:27; John 13:21; Hebrews 5:7

Possible causes of stress

Disobedience to God's will

Deuteronomy 28:65 See also 2 Samuel 24:14 pp 1 Chronicles 21:13; Psalm 38:4; Matthew 14:9 pp Mark 6:26

Family ties

1 Corinthians 7:33 See also Genesis 21:11; Genesis 43:6; 1 Samuel 1:6-16

The burdens of leadership

2 Corinthians 11:28 See also Numbers 11:14; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Hebrews 13:17

Threats of injury or violence

Lamentations 1:20 See also Genesis 32:7; 1 Samuel 28:5; 1 Kings 19:1-2; Esther 7:4; Psalm 56:1-2; Jeremiah 19:9

Unjust leaders

Exodus 5:19; Nehemiah 9:37

The wickedness of others

1 Kings 19:14 See also Romans 9:2-3; 2 Peter 2:7-8

Academic study

Ecclesiastes 1:13

The effects of stress

Proverbs 12:25; Matthew 13:22 pp Mark 4:18 pp Luke 8:14 See also 1 Kings 19:3-4; Psalm 31:9-10; Luke 10:40-41

Appeals to God in stressful situations

Psalm 102:2; Jonah 2:2 See also 2 Samuel 22:7 pp Psalm 18:6; 2 Chronicles 20:9; 2 C 12; Psalm 4:1; Psalm 25:17; Psalm 106:44; Psalm 120:1

God comforts believers under stress

Psalm 94:19; Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7 See also 1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 107:6; Psalm 119:143; John 14:1,27; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; Philippians 4:6

See also

5056  rest
5537  sleeplessness
5567  suffering, emotional
5582  tiredness
5628  work
5805  comfort
5831  depression
5890  insecurity
5901  loneliness
8713  discouragement
8754  fear
8849  worry