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Session I: Stress
There are two main kinds of stress:
1. Culture & Technology
Our culture greatly impacts our stress. Consider: before the invention of electricity, some cultures worked only 1200 hours per year, by necessity limited by daylight hours. No longer so bounded, we work much more- and sleep less. We need sleep for adequate recuperation (it's when our body purifies itself and heals). When we ignore sleep, we set ourselves up for more stress.
Technological advancements also have effects. The biggest technological paradigm shifts in recent years are the Internet and smart phone. The Internet is a "wonderful servant and terrible master," and smart phones have taken over. The average American checks their phone 47 times per day, and spends 25% of their waking hours staring a phones.
2. Gospel Issues
A big source of our stress is personal pride, thinking "if I don't do this, it won't be done right." We want to be seen as successes, and will subject ourselves to all manners of things to do so- at terrible cost. Similarly, we often struggle with people pleasing, and overextend ourselves so others will think well of us. It's no wonder we work 15% more and take leisure 30% less than twenty years ago.
We should operate with "the uniqueness principle" for prioritization: of the things that need to be done, what can only I do and must be done now? If our capacity is viewed as a jar, we identify the big rocks and put those in first, lest others fill it with pebbles, sand, and water.
The experience of stress and anxiety is as ancient as Scripture. Philippians 4:4-6 is an excellent passage on anxiety, exhorting us to rejoice, not by altering circumstances, but by:
- recognizing the Lord (and His presence) as our source of joy
- laying our problems before Him through prayer and supplication
- giving thanks for His blessings
The passage ends with a promise: that the peace of God will guard your heart (emotions) and mind (thoughts)- beyond all understanding.
Session II: Gospel Insight from Scripture
The life of Jesus gives us many lessons on stress. Jesus was very busy, and in high demand, but He understood His purpose and priorities:
1) preach the Gospel
2) perform miracles and demonstrate His power
3) die for our sins
With goals always in view, He lived perfectly amidst constant demands. He healed frequently, yet got up before dawn to pray and be alone (Mark 1:29-39); He was focused yet flexible, helping people (like at the revival in John 4:39-43) but keeping His face set on Jerusalem (he didn't remain in one place long, even though He could have stayed and healed more in a given region- see Luke 9-19). He put spiritual things above physical, as demonstrated in Luke 10:38-42 (Mary sitting at His feet while Martha served). And His work was finished (John 19:30)! You have enough time to complete 100% of God's will for your life.
Jesus says come to Him for rest; his yoke is easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:28-30). Do you believe that?
The book of Ephesians also has valuable thoughts on this topic. The most important sentence in the Bible (Ephesians 1:3-14) sums up God's purpose, covering past, present, future and the Father, Son, and Spirit. Ephesians 1:17-23 covers the three most important things for you to know:
- Him better
- your hope
- His power
Keep the most important things- the "big rocks"- in view at all times!
Sometimes we stress about God's will. There are two kinds:
- His revealed will for all His disciples
- His undisclosed will for your uniquely
We are to live according to His revealed will for all His disciples (new standards the Bible is clear on) so you may better know his undisclosed will for you uniquely. Discover more and more what pleases Him, choose what you know is right (Ephesians 5:8-17). That frees you to say 'No' and live sanely and peacefully.
Session III: Periodic Prolonged Times of Prayer (and Fasting)
It's important to get out and schedule prolonged times of prayer (one hour or more, preferably in a secluded spot where you can pray out loud). Why? To reconnect with God and reset our priorities. How? Below are ten suggestions for your prayers; do not go through all ten each time, but use these to help guide the time. Remember the goal: a steady, fixed, habitual gaze on Jesus.
- keep (and review) a daily journal of God's activity in your life; think over events and lessons learned
- bring a hymnal; pray through a hymn
- read a psalm and pray it personally
- read Scriptures you have been studying recently
- bring a Christian devotional; read a couple pages and think on it
- once a year, write your priorities for the next year; review them.
- consider praying the Lord's prayer; fill in the particulars in your life.
- review; of all you've been meditating on so far, ask the Lord about things- is there some weight you need to set aside to run the race of faith less hindered?
- pray for your family and those close to you that the Lord brings to mind.
- finish by reviewing the day. Thank Him for the day and ways you saw Him and His goodness.
Session IV: Discussion on Time
Here, we discussed our individual prayer times and time logs we kept in the week leading up to the retreat.
How was prayer time? For me, both good & hard (to maintain focus, at times). But it was extremely valuable. I kept a notepad and jotted thoughts about God as I prayed; I should pray like this once a week, for one hour, in solitude (so I can pray out loud).
How were the time logs? Good; keeping track of how I spent my time was enlightening and can help shape our days. I was surprised by how much I 'putzed', even though I consider myself productive. The goal in looking at time management isn't legalistic prohibitions- it's being aware and altering as needed.
Session V: Sunday Worship
Sabbath is a gift: relax! It was made for man (Mark 2:27). It is the way we are wired. The world perspectives are often that one or the other is bad, but we shouldn't work to rest or rest to work; both work and rest are good (Exodus 20:8-11). We need one day a week to recharge, rest, and restore. Learn to truly 'turn off' (get away from typical distractions- smartphones, etc.).
How? Worship and hear the gospel. Fellowship with God's people. Reflect quietly on life (review the past week, look at priorities for the next week). Play and pray. And have recreation- walks, reading, playing games, etc.
Final Thoughts
This was a good retreat, with helpful information from a great speaker. Remember: we must strive for a steady, fixed, habitual gaze on Jesus. Doing so will reduce our stress far better than any self-help techniques.
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