Theology Thursday: Are you stressed?

Author(s)John Percival
Date 7 January 2016

Vibert begins his article exploring some of the distinctively Christian stresses as well as the cultural factors relating to stress. He draws on anecdotal evidence as well as academic research to present an overview of the causes and symptoms of stress. These shed light on why serving Jesus (in whatever capacity) can be a challenging experience. His working definition is as follows: "Stress is what we experience when we feel out of control."

Vibert then turns to the Bible to provide a theological response to stress. He provides much insight into how God's word speaks to the question of control. God's attributes, his control, omnipotence, and omniscience, speak into the human experience of stress. For example: "When we feel ‘out of control with stress,’ when worries crowd in on us, when life seems overwhelming, or it appears that no one could possibly understand our difficulties or circumstances, we would do well to remember: ‘Your Father knows.’"

The final part of Vibert's article considers the practical outworking of this Bible truth in the areas of worry, anger, ambition and rest. How often we turn from godly ambition: "Worldly ambition is driven by the desire for human achievement and recognition, and is a cause of much stress. The desire to achieve more wealth, status and possessions can be all-consuming and insatiable. Stress results when we can’t match our expectations to reality and remain dissatisfied in that state."

Vibert concludes with a prayer of St. Augustine, which proves very apposite for stressed people:
Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
till they find their rest in you;
so lead us by your Spirit
that in this life we may live to your glory
and in the life to come enjoy you for ever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Amen.

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Vibert, Simon. "Stress." Churchman 129/4 (2015):351–367.