3 Ways to Prepare for Stressful Times

by Corey Bjertness

I bet this was a stressful time for Jesus. And if there is one thing I have learned, it is this: Sometimes, life is overly stressful. Sometimes family life is unbelievably challenging. Sometimes work is incredibly demanding. And if you can believe it, sometimes church life is very hectic.

Sometimes stress comes in a flash. Somebody bad mouths you with a gallon of gossip and a flood of criticism. Your spouse comes home and with a great big chip on their shoulder. The money runs out, but the bills keep coming. Sometimes stress comes in a flash.

Other times it comes as a slow burn. You do not even know it is happening. Suddenly, you realize the accumulation of stress has built up to the point that you are in pain.

I do not know if, in John 6, Jesus’ stress came in a flash or accumulated over time. But he is trying to escape for a little R & R. Just preceding the Mark version of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, Jesus tells his disciples,

1. Surround yourself with good people. In John 6:3, it says, “Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples.” Smart man! Jesus knew there is great solace and comfort in the presence of good people.

I cannot imagine where I would be in life if it would not be for the handful of friends who have given me a mountain of love. When the well is completely empty, they fill it. When the cupboard is bare, they stock it. A good friend finds ways to bring life to a thirsty soul. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” But there is another way. Sometimes you need to ask. Recently, I received a call from an acquaintance who asked to meet weekly for a season. When I asked why they said, “I need a friend and mentor.” Wow, what a godly and noble request. Sometimes we need to ask.

2.  Eat! Specifically, your soul needs nourishment in the same manner your body needs food. The bottom-line irrevocable truth of the Kingdom of God is this.

You cannot give what you do not have.
You cannot teach what you do not know.
You cannot quote what you have not memorized.
You cannot get to know someone who you do not spend time with.
You cannot expect an antidote from a doctor that you have not seen.

Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” Jesus knew our bodies need nourishment. But he also knew our souls need to feed on the spiritual food available to us. Perhaps, that this is what he was alluding to when he said to Peter,

3. Rest! You cannot run at a fevered pitch forever and expect to have a rich and meaningful life. We are not made that way. We need to spend time with God. It was important for Jesus, and it needs to be important to us.

Let us pray,

Lord, for all those who have taken time to devote these moments to you. I lift them up to you and ask that you save them from the time of distress. Rescue them from despair and give them peace amid trial. Amen.

Pastor Corey

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