Twelve Bible principles that help individuals cope with stress.
While the Bible may not explicitly mention "daily habits" many of its teachings can be applied as daily practices for mental and emotional well-being. Here are twelve practical daily habits inspired by biblical principles:
Pray through what's causing stress
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages us not to be anxious but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God. We all face worries that can get us down, but by praying through our worries we get renewed perspective and we can see when God does marvelous things in us and for us.
Read and meditate on Bible for Wisdom
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2
Speaks of the blessed man whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on it day and night. Understanding of what the Bible says gives us wisdom to make good decisions and overcome the influences in our lives that discourage us.
Practice Gratitude
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Worship God in Song
Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.
Ephesians 5:19
Suggests speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. From just focusing on our own issues we can contemplate the beauty of our God.
Seek supportive Fellowship
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Emphasizes not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Others are able to encourage us and to help us detach from our anxieties.
Serve Others
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:13-14
While we are free to enjoy ourselves this passage teaches us to serve one another humbly in love, fulfilling the law of Christ who came to serve rather than be served.
Live one day at a Time
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
Practice mindfulness and living one day at a time. Advises us not to overthink about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Look after your health
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we should honor God with our bodies, which can include physical activity and healthy living.
Minimize stressful situations and Thoughts
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
Tells us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. While bad news and concerns are ever-present, we can choose to minimize their negative impact on our lives by focusing on more hopeful and positive thoughts.
Seek wisdom and counsel
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5
Encourages asking God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, for wisdom. The Bible encourages us to challenge God when we don't understand what is going on, and to seek the advice of others who have more wisdom than we do.
Practice a day of Rest
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.
Exodus 20:8-10
Commands keeping the Sabbath day holy, a principle that underscores the importance of rest and disengagement from constant work. A sabbath day is not just a day off, it is planned rest with intentional periods of reflection and appreciation for the goodness of our God. It may be helpful to limit your use of your mobile phone during this time.
You need never walk alone
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
Psalm 23:1-2
Experience the joy of appreciating God's creation and seek consciousness of His presence when you are in quiet beautiful places. You must approach God with reverence, for more understanding go to Become a Christian.
Implementing these practices can create a rhythm of life that not only aligns with biblical teachings but also supports mental and emotional health. To experience the full abundant life and peace that Jesus promises you need to be in a personal relationship with Him. Go to Become a Christian to find out more.
