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