How well you are using resources to manage stress?

Consider how well you are applying spiritual resources when you are struggling with stress. Take this self-assessment and use this scale to indicate your responses.

1 = Hardly ever, 2 = Occasionally, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Nearly always

____    1.     I consciously choose to put my trust in God and in His working in my life. Psalm 56:3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 12:2, 26:3-4; Nahum 1:7.

____    2.     I am careful to confess sinful reactions, destructive attitudes, lack of faith, etc. Psalm 32:1-5; 1 John 1:9.

____    3.     I ask God for what I need from Him to be able to handle the stress. 2 Samuel 22:7; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:13.

____    4.     I pour out my heart to God when I’m experiencing difficult stress. Psalm 55:22, 62:8; 1 Peter 5:7.

____    5.     I choose to give thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6-7.

____    6.     I choose to worship Him in praise. Psalm 68:19; Hebrews 13:15.

____   7.      I claim God’s promises, especially those that bring comfort, strength, joy, and encouragement. Psalm 119:50, 52, 148, 162; Romans 4:20-21; 15:4.

____   8.      I seek to apply the teachings of God’s Word on how to cope with stress. Psalm 25:10, 119:100, 105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

____   9.      I choose to rejoice in the Lord, even when the stress is difficult. Habakkuk 3:17-18; Philippians 4:4. (Paul spoke of joy fourteen times when he wrote to the Philippians from prison).

____ 10.      I take time to rest—in whatever ways I rest best. Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 6:31.

____ 11.      I sing and/or listen to music that helps lower my stress level. Psalm 32:7, 59:16-17, 77:6; Isaiah 12:2; Acts 16:25.

____ 12.      I share my burdens with others so they can help bear them. Numbers 11:10-17; Galatians 6:2.

____ 13.      I seek counsel and a biblical perspective from others. Colossians 3:16;  1 Thessalonians 5:14.

____ 14.      I allow others to comfort and encourage me. 2  Corinthians 1:3-4, 7:5-6; Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25.

____ 15.      I ask others to pray for me. 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18-20; James 5:16.

What did you learn as you assessed how well you are using resources to manage stress?

Excerpted from All Stressed Up and Everywhere to Go! Get a free sample using this link.

© 2015 Relationship Resources, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 800-788-9171.