Stress is Problematic
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. —JAMES 1:2
Trials—and the stress they bring—are predictable: all of us will encounter them. And stress from trials can be problematic. In fact, it can be one of your worst enemies. It has ruined many lives and relationships. Stress hurts. It has cost some people their health, and others, their happiness. Yet James said to consider “various trials” to be “all joy.” James’s term for various trials is an interesting word in the Greek language. The phrase can be literally translated as many-colored trials.
James knew that not all trials are alike and that we all react to stress in different ways. In other words, both our trials and our reactions come in many colors. Some people’s response to stress is purple: they allow stress to so beat them up that they come out bruised and battered. Others’ responses are blue: these people allow stress to move them into a state of depression where they just downright feel blue. Others respond to stress with the color green: they see others living seemingly carefree lives and become green with envy. Still others deal with stress with the color red: stress so builds up within them that they react with rage and anger toward those around them. Then there are those whose dealings with stress are yellow: they simply retreat in cowardice into their own little world. And some deal with stress with the color black: for them, everything in their experience becomes dark.
James was reminding us that there are many kinds of trials and different kinds of reactions to those trials. Some trials are natural: they result from sickness, accidents, disappointments, or other painful circumstances. These trials naturally occur because we live in fleshly bodies in a sinful world. Other trials are supernatural in origin: they come our way because of our faith. Peter reminded us to “not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12). Often when we line up with Christ, we line up against the world system around us.
For whatever reason a trial comes and in whatever form, the stress it causes can be problematic. The human body is one of God’s most amazing and miraculous creations, yet, life’s trials release certain stress hormones such as adrenaline. These chemical secretions cause the heart to pump faster, producing what is called the “fight or flight response.” In primitive days these chemical changes prepared the body to respond to a weapon-wielding enemy or to fend off attacks of wild beasts. This extra burst of energy and strength enables almost superhuman strength for lifting an automobile off someone in a time of emergency or enabling the child cornered by the schoolyard bully to come out swinging. Problems arise when we do not fight or flee and those chemicals are not released from our body—we are left to deal with lingering stressful physical issues. Our body, however, provides several indicators or warning signs to help us recognize stress in our lives. There are physical signs: tension, headaches, sleeplessness, changes in appetite, and high blood pressure. There are behavioral signs: a loss of productivity, strained relationships, a struggle to concentrate, and compulsive behavior. There are also emotional signs: depression, fear of failure, withdrawal, and frustration. Finally, there are spiritual signs: difficulty focusing, lack of prayer or Bible reading, and loss of passion. The presence of these warning signs is proof positive that stress in your life has become problematic.
Content drawn from The James Code: 52 Scripture Principles for Putting Your Faith into Action.
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