De-Stress [Notes]

August 30th, 2025

The shift from summer’s slower pace into the back-to-school rush, juggling schedules and bills, health concerns, strained relationships, or even wondering if your job is safe as technology rapidly changes … life can be stressful! Add just five minutes of the news or social media, and the pressure only grows. Stress is real, but what is it exactly? Where does it come from, how does it affect us, and most importantly, how do we deal with it? Pastor Josh shares how the truth of God’s Word can help us destress in a stressed-out world.

Takeaway: Use biblical solutions to de-stress in a stressed-out world

Stress: a specific response by the body to a stimulus, as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism; physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.
– dictionary.com

Eustress – positive stress; energies; activates
Distress – negative or destructive stress
Hyperstress – excessive volumes of stress
– Dr. Richard Swenson, Margin

"If the stress reaction is resolved successfully, we do not notice any apparent damage. If, however, the result is failure or frustration, multiple pathologies may ensue: tissue aging occurs at the cellular level; the immune system may malfunction; and cardiovascular catastrophes, such as stroke or heart attack, may occur.”
– Dr. Richard Swenson, Margin

De-Stress in a Stressed-Out World
S – Specify what’s causing you stress

“God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my plea for help. Pay attention to me and answer me. I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint, because of the enemy’s voice, because of the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.”
– Psalm 55:1–3, HCSB

“Now it is not an enemy who insults me–otherwise I could bear it; it is not a foe who rises up against me–otherwise I could hide from him. But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend! We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.”
– Psalm 55:12–14, HCSB

We sing to praise the Lord!

Why we praise – Psalm 150:2, Praise Him for His powerful acts; praise Him for His abundant greatness.

De-Stress in a Stressed-Out World
S – Specify what’s causing you stress
T – Talk to God in prayer

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7, HCSB

“Four words are used here to describe a believer’s communion with God. Prayer describes a believer’s approach to God. Petition emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need. Thanksgiving is an attitude of heart which should always accompany one’s prayers. Requests speak of definite and specific things asked for.”
– Dr. Robert Lightner, Bible Knowledge Commentary

...casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.
– 1 Peter 5:7, HCSB

De-Stress in a Stressed-Out World
S – Specify what’s causing you stress
T – Talk to God in prayer
R – Reach out to someone you trust

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
– Galatians 6:2, HCSB

De-Stress in a Stressed-Out World
S – Specify what’s causing you stress
T – Talk to God in prayer
R – Reach out to someone you trust
E – Evaluate the stressor

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.
– Proverbs 3:5–6, HCSB

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
– Reinhold Niebuhr, The Serenity Prayer

De-Stress in a Stressed-Out World
S – Specify what’s causing you stress
T – Talk to God in prayer
R – Reach out to someone you trust
E – Evaluate the stressor
S – Soul care matters

I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.
– Psalm 139:14, HCSB

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.
– Psalm 19:1, HCSB

Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?
– Matthew 6:26, HCSB

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
– Romans 8:28, HCSB

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:9, HCSB

For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
– John 3:16, HCSB

Worship Setlist //

Take You At Your Word // Faithful Now // What A Beautiful Name - Hosanna // Run To The Father

Discussion Questions //

1. Share a time when you faced a stressful situation, big or small, and how you responded. (Example: Pastor Josh shared his rattlesnake story. What’s a moment when you felt your heart race or felt pressed by stress? How did you handle it?)

2a. Looking over the six points from today – Specify, Talk to God, Reach out, Evaluate, Self-care, Stand on God’s promises – which one comes most easily to you, and why?

2b. Which one tends to be the hardest for you, and why?

3. What’s one step you can take this week to “de-stress” in a biblical way?

Catch Up //

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Past Messages

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We sing to praise the Lord!