Dealing with stress

This Tues I visited Sydney Missionary Bible College (SMBC) to talk about SweatCon. While I was there I went to a seminar on dealing with stress on the mission field. The principles are, I think, equally applicable to ministry generally – or the ordinary struggles of trying to live a normal Christian life.

Here's what we brainstormed together. When stressed:

1. Remember the gospel & its missionary motivation – why are we there on mission (in ministry / living as a Christian) in the first place?
2. Memorise the promises of scripture & remember God’s faithfulness to his promises.
3. Read the Psalms.
4. If you’re stressed about conflict – don’t let the sun go down while you’re still angry (Eph 4:26).
5. Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”.
6. Count your blessings & be thankful – like it says in the middle of Php 4:6.
7. Remember God’s sovereignty; Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
8. The Sabbath was made for man. Use it – have a break.
9. Remember that the crucified Christ suffered more than we ever will. Even so, he’s not aloof from our sufferings, but sympathises with them (Acts 9:4).
10. Remember that the risen Christ is above all earthly powers & bigger than any problem this world can throw at us.
11. Think of out future hope of glory.
12. Sing Martin Luther’s A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.