Do you pre-stress? My friend Sara shared this phrase with me and explained that “pre-stressing” is when anticipating a stressful experience before there’s anything to be stressed about. You’re so accustomed to becoming overwhelmed and anxious that you assume that every situation will be stressful before you ever step into the actual problem.
If that’s you or something you know, I’m so glad you’re here. I’m sharing four life-giving, encouraging verses from the Bible today. Even if you’re not prone to pre-stressing, you can always use encouragement from scripture, right?
Let’s jump back into “pre-stressing.” If we break this word down, it will look like, “Before I even get into this situation, I’m going to assume that I can’t handle it, I won’t have time to do it, or dealing with it will make me feel miserable.”
There are four categories of pre-stressing, which in my Stronger Than Stress book, I call these the four “stress starters”:
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Uncertain – Insecure about an outcome
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Unexpected – Taken by surprise and unable to process or adjust
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Uncontrollable – Inability to fix or manage the situation
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Uncomfortable – Uneasy or bothered by what’s happening
Question: Which one of these tends to trigger stress for you? Are there specific situations that you can attach to these stress starters?
Pre-stressing sends you off into an emotional spiral before you ever take the time to remember that God’s power and peace can get you through whatever you’re going through. Instead of pre-stressing, take time today to equip yourself with God’s promises. I’m so excited about this opportunity to encourage you today!
In my Stronger Than Stress book in Chapter 9, titled “God Promised It, I Believe It,” I share four sets of verses on pages 113-114 that you can apply to each specific pre-stress starter. I’m sharing those verses with you below. I also include a particular application question so you can use God’s Word as a mighty weapon against any pre-stressing you might be doing today.
Uncertainty
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah. 29:11)
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33)
What uncertain situation do I need to apply this to today? _____________________
Unexpected
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (Lamentations 3:22–23)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrew 13:8)
What unexpected situation do I need to apply this to today? _____________________
Uncontrollable
I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
What uncontrollable situation do I need to apply this to today? _____________________
Uncomfortable
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
Each time, he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
What uncomfortable situation do I need to apply this to today? _____________________
I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! I hope that you feel encouraged after reading those sets of verses. I’d love to hear from you about whether pre-stressing is a thing for you and which verse resonated with you today.
