The high cost of living challenges our families. Can we pay our unpaid bills? Every day, millions face a frustrating and stressful commute in congested traffic. Machinery noise in our neighborhoods and workplaces can be nerve-wracking. Then we may have conflicts and arguments with family members, or co-workers. Physical ailments and headaches can frustrate us and stress us even more.
Millions of people around the world pay for expensive drugs to help calm their mental anxieties. But, as we will see, God gives us—absolutely free—a variety of strategies to address and overcome life’s frustrations!
CAN YOU COPE?
How many people find it difficult to cope with everyday stress? Do you find it difficult to find peace of mind and tranquility? The American Psychological Association gave this report in February 2015: “Forty-two percent of adults say they are not doing enough or are not sure whether they are doing enough to manage their stress. One in five Americans (20 percent) say they never engage in an activity to help relieve or manage their stress” (“Stress in America: Paying with Our Health,” p. 9).
How serious is the problem? The APA report continues: “Many Americans say their stress levels have either stayed the same (53 percent) or increased (29 percent) in the past year. Only 18 percent of Americans say their stress has decreased in the past year. The most commonly reported sources of stress include money (64 percent report that this is a very or somewhat significant source of stress), work (60 percent), the economy (49 percent), family responsibilities (47 percent) and personal health concerns (46 percent)” (ibid.).
How do people cope? The report continues: “The most commonly reported stress management techniques include listening to music (44 percent), exercising/walking (43 percent), watching television for more than two hours per day (40 percent) and surfing the Internet/going online (38 percent)” (ibid.).
The right kinds of music can indeed soothe our stress for some time, and your Bible praises the value of physical exercise. But are there big-picture strategies to consider that will help today’s Christians find long-term peace of mind in the midst of so many short-term ongoing stresses? In this article, we will consider seven vital keys for obtaining and maintaining peace of mind.