Stress

[Valerie]

If you are a Christian, you should not experience stress.

True or false?

If a Christian does experience stress or anxiety, is it a sign of lack of faith?

(asking as I know some adult children criticized by their father for having anxiety or stress, and suppressing it seems to be manifesting itself in physical problems).

I know with myself, I have felt in times I had stress it was a weakness in my faith.

Just wondering if anyone has thoughts to share regarding this. Thanks

[JohnL]

If you are a Christian, you should not experience stress.

True or false?

If a Christian does experience stress or anxiety, is it a sign of lack of faith?

(asking as I know some adult children criticized by their father for having anxiety or stress, and suppressing it seems to be manifesting itself in physical problems).

I know with myself, I have felt in times I had stress it was a weakness in my faith.

Just wondering if anyone has thoughts to share regarding this. Thanks

Well in Luke 22 Jesus experienced so much stress in the Garden of Gethsemane that he was in anguish. He knew what was to come. Jesus said let this cup pass from me. He then followed it with thy will be done. I don’t see how it can be justified that Christians aren’t supposed to feel stress if Jesus felt it.

[Valerie]

If you are a Christian, you should not experience stress.

True or false?

If a Christian does experience stress or anxiety, is it a sign of lack of faith?

(asking as I know some adult children criticized by their father for having anxiety or stress, and suppressing it seems to be manifesting itself in physical problems).

I know with myself, I have felt in times I had stress it was a weakness in my faith.

Just wondering if anyone has thoughts to share regarding this. Thanks

Well in Luke 22 Jesus experienced so much stress in the Garden of Gethsemane that he was in anguish. He knew what was to come. Jesus said let this cup pass from me. He then followed it with thy will be done. I don’t see how it can be justified that Christians aren’t supposed to feel stress if Jesus felt it.

I shared that same example with the one made to feel guilty for experiencing stress. Thank you!

[the-real-steve]

I was diagnosed some years back with type-2 bipolar. I also struggle with PTSD. That is kept undiagnosed intentionally. The bipolar thing I was born with and started to raise its head when I was a teenager. When I was in my 20's and 30's the doctor did put me on meds for depression, but being in the conservative groups, I learned to keep my mouth shut about it... the hard way. I didn't stick with the meds as they had some side effects I wasn't comfortable with.

Later, when I was out of those circles, our pastor recommended I see a mental health professional. And that's where I got properly diagnosed. The PTSD was caused by some crazy stuff that I cannot talk about in polite company.

Today, I manage both with diet and exercise, some supplementation, and I learned to keep some people at arm's length.

To much info, I know

[JohnL]

I was diagnosed some years back with type-2 bipolar. I also struggle with PTSD. That is kept undiagnosed intentionally. The bipolar thing I was born with and started to raise its head when I was a teenager. When I was in my 20's and 30's the doctor did put me on meds for depression, but being in the conservative groups, I learned to keep my mouth shut about it... the hard way. I didn't stick with the meds as they had some side effects I wasn't comfortable with.

Later, when I was out of those circles, our pastor recommended I see a mental health professional. And that's where I got properly diagnosed. The PTSD was caused by some crazy stuff that I cannot talk about in polite company.

Today, I manage both with diet and exercise, some supplementation, and I learned to keep some people at arm's length.

To much info, I know

I'm real sorry for your struggles Steve. It's not easy when all churches have some folks who like to gossip and judge. The smaller the church the harder it is to deal with sometimes.

[JayP]

Clearly the earlier reference to the Jesus in the garden demonstrates stress or anxiety is not alien to the Christian. Even as one faces difficult situations knowing the right answer and pursuing it is not without stress.

One’s concern, and stress, for those suffering is compatible with Christian belief. A faith in God does not mean a worry free existence. Regardless of your denominations place for Mary we clearly see in scripture she suffered, including at the foot of the cross. No mother would be free of stress watching such torment even if they believe in what is to come.

We are told to have compassion. I think those that judge any presence of stress as a negative are being too harsh and lack such compassion. That said, total giving in to pain and stress is less than ideal. Our faith of what is to come should provide SOME consolation, but not wiping away all tears…..at least right now

[Valerie]

I was diagnosed some years back with type-2 bipolar. I also struggle with PTSD. That is kept undiagnosed intentionally. The bipolar thing I was born with and started to raise its head when I was a teenager. When I was in my 20's and 30's the doctor did put me on meds for depression, but being in the conservative groups, I learned to keep my mouth shut about it... the hard way. I didn't stick with the meds as they had some side effects I wasn't comfortable with.

Later, when I was out of those circles, our pastor recommended I see a mental health professional. And that's where I got properly diagnosed. The PTSD was caused by some crazy stuff that I cannot talk about in polite company.

Today, I manage both with diet and exercise, some supplementation, and I learned to keep some people at arm's length.

To much info, I know

Steve I’m very sorry to hear you going through all that. I appreciate your vulnerability to share and I’m really glad you were given wise counsel and found ways to help yourself- I can see how diet, exercise, & supplements could improve your sense of well being, thanks again.

[Valerie]

Clearly the earlier reference to the Jesus in the garden demonstrates stress or anxiety is not alien to the Christian. Even as one faces difficult situations knowing the right answer and pursuing it is not without stress.

One’s concern, and stress, for those suffering is compatible with Christian belief. A faith in God does not mean a worry free existence. Regardless of your denominations place for Mary we clearly see in scripture she suffered, including at the foot of the cross. No mother would be free of stress watching such torment even if they believe in what is to come.

We are told to have compassion. I think those that judge any presence of stress as a negative are being too harsh and lack such compassion. That said, total giving in to pain and stress is less than ideal. Our faith of what is to come should provide SOME consolation, but not wiping away all tears…..at least right now

I agree, it can cause even more stress to be afraid to admit stress to one who makes you question your faith.

[Grace]

I was diagnosed some years back with type-2 bipolar. I also struggle with PTSD. That is kept undiagnosed intentionally. The bipolar thing I was born with and started to raise its head when I was a teenager. When I was in my 20's and 30's the doctor did put me on meds for depression, but being in the conservative groups, I learned to keep my mouth shut about it... the hard way. I didn't stick with the meds as they had some side effects I wasn't comfortable with.

Later, when I was out of those circles, our pastor recommended I see a mental health professional. And that's where I got properly diagnosed. The PTSD was caused by some crazy stuff that I cannot talk about in polite company.

Today, I manage both with diet and exercise, some supplementation, and I learned to keep some people at arm's length.

To much info, I know

I am sorry Steve. And add to that you lost a good friend and mentor lately.

[temporal1]

Clearly the earlier reference to the Jesus in the garden demonstrates stress or anxiety is not alien to the Christian. Even as one faces difficult situations knowing the right answer and pursuing it is not without stress.

One’s concern, and stress, for those suffering is compatible with Christian belief. A faith in God does not mean a worry free existence. Regardless of your denominations place for Mary we clearly see in scripture she suffered, including at the foot of the cross. No mother would be free of stress watching such torment even if they believe in what is to come.

We are told to have compassion. I think those that judge any presence of stress as a negative are being too harsh and lack such compassion. That said, total giving in to pain and stress is less than ideal. Our faith of what is to come should provide SOME consolation, but not wiping away all tears…..at least right now

I agree, it can cause even more stress to be afraid to admit stress to one who makes you question your faith.

(i find) great value in scriptures wrt how to respond to trials, Jesus being the greatest real life role model of all.
scriptures are honest about how difficult life can be, AND offers The Way for all, so earthly life can be endured.

steve, i have a hunch there are active forum members, and read-only, who personally understand and experience your struggles.
i have mine, and i have other close family+friends i walk beside and suffer with. Sometimes, we’d rather suffer than witness others suffering.

who knows what help your words are for others reading?!

1 Thess 5:11
https://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm

10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.