Finding Peace in the Chaos: How to Manage Stress with Faith
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and stress seems to find its way into every corner of our day—whether through work, parenting, finances, or personal struggles. It's easy to let stress take over and leave us feeling drained. But, as Christians, we know that peace is promised to us, even in the middle of chaos.
Recently, someone asked me about ways to manage stress. It was an area she was working on because stress had been affecting her deeply. When stress hits her, she would often become overwhelmed, panic, her anxiety would increase, or she would even lash out in anger. Her question really made me reflect on my own journey with stress and how much I’ve learned over the years about handling it, especially through my faith.
In this blog, I want to share some ways I’ve learned to manage stress, how my faith has been a source of strength, and practical tools you can apply in your own life. Stress is something we all face, but it doesn’t have to define us or overwhelm our spirit. By leaning on God, we can find peace that surpasses understanding, even when life gets tough.
Acknowledge the Stress, Don’t Dismiss It
The first step in managing stress is acknowledging that it’s there. So many times, I’ve felt like I had to push through, pretending everything was fine, even when my heart was heavy. But pushing stress down doesn’t make it go away—it builds up until it feels unmanageable.
As I’ve learned, it’s okay to admit that you’re stressed. Whether it’s juggling work deadlines, feeling overwhelmed with parenting, or trying to balance everything, stress is a real and valid emotion. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us, saying, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He doesn’t ask us to be perfect or to carry the weight alone, He invites us to lay our burdens at His feet.
Turn to Prayer and Surrender It to God
When stress starts to overwhelm me, the best thing I’ve learned to do is pray. It's in prayer that I find the greatest relief because I’m reminded that I don’t have to carry it all on my own. One of my favorite scriptures in times of stress is Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
In fact, I’ve had this verse written above my whiteboard for the past year as a daily reminder. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded to surrender my worries to God, to approach Him in prayer, and to trust that His peace will cover me even when life feels chaotic. It’s been such a grounding truth for me, helping me to refocus on what really matters—God’s presence and His unfailing peace.
There were so many times when I’d been stressed to the point of tears, and it was through prayer that I found a sense of calm. In those moments, I poured out my heart to God and asked Him to take over. Sometimes, the circumstances didn’t change right away, but my heart did. I began to feel lighter, knowing that God was in control.
Take a Step Back and Breathe
One practical way I deal with stress is by taking a step back, even if just for a few moments. When I’m overwhelmed, I try to pause and simply breathe. Sometimes, I’ll go for a walk, step outside for some fresh air, or sit quietly in prayerful meditation. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Those moments of stillness help me reconnect with God, reminding me that even in the chaos, He is there, and I can find rest in Him.
When I was asked how I manage stress, I thought about how breathing exercises have been a huge help for me. Sometimes, it’s the small pauses in the day that make all the difference. Deep breaths, slowing down, and intentionally inviting God into those moments of feeling overwhelmed help me reset.
Lean on Your Support System
Another way I’ve found to manage stress is by leaning on those around me. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, family member, or my husband, sharing what’s on my heart helps lighten the load. For a long time, I’ve always handled everything on my own, but God reminded me that He created us to be in community with one another.
As the Bible reminds us in Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." We don’t have to walk through our stress alone. Sometimes, just having someone listen can bring immense relief.
Practice Gratitude in the Midst of Stress
I’ve found that one of the most powerful ways to combat stress is to focus on gratitude. When everything feels heavy, I try to shift my focus to what’s going right. Even in the hardest moments, there’s always something to be thankful for—whether it’s my family, my health, or God’s never-ending grace.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we’re reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Practicing gratitude helps me to realign my heart with God’s goodness, and in doing so, the weight of stress becomes a little lighter.
Keeping worship music in the background.
One thing that has been incredibly calming for me is keeping worship music playing in the background. Whether I’m working, driving, or taking care of things around the house, I’ve found that it brings me a sense of peace and helps refocus my mind on God’s presence. It’s amazing how something so simple can soothe the soul and lift your spirits in moments when stress feels overwhelming. The music reminds me that I’m never alone—God is with me, carrying me through whatever challenges I’m facing.
Find Rest and Take Care of Yourself
Finally, I’ve learned that managing stress also means taking care of myself. It’s hard to keep going when we’re running on empty. Rest is a gift from God, and we are called to take care of the temples He has given us. Taking a break, setting healthy boundaries, and saying no when necessary are all important ways to reduce stress and honor the body and mind God gave us.
Even Jesus took time to rest and recharge, as we see in Mark 6:31 when He says to His disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." We are no good to anyone if we are burnt out, so take the time to rest in God’s presence and rejuvenate your soul.
Stress can bring on so many unhealthy conditions that harm us both physically and mentally—things like high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, fatigue, digestive issues, and even weakened immunity. It's why it's so important to take care of ourselves, not just for our own well-being but so we can show up as the best version of ourselves for our families, work, friends and faith. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, we can't pour from an empty cup, and taking time for rest, prayer, and self-care is essential to staying healthy and grounded.
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart that sometimes feels heavy from the weight of stress. Help me to remember that You are my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Teach me to lay my burdens at Your feet, trusting that You care for me deeply. Grant me the peace that only You can give, and remind me that I don’t have to walk this journey alone. Help me to find rest in Your presence, knowing that You are in control of every detail of my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
