Christians are facing more stress than ever in today’s fast-paced, chaotic world. But there’s hope for those who turn to faith instead of worldly solutions. Pastor and author Dr. Charles Stone recently joined CBN’s Tré Goins-Phillips to share biblical strategies for managing stress, offering a clear path forward for believers feeling overwhelmed by modern life.
Dr. Stone’s new book highlights prayer as the first line of defense against anxiety. He argues that talking to God isn’t just a religious ritual—it’s a practical tool for peace. While secular culture pushes meditation apps or self-help gurus, Stone reminds Christians that true comfort comes from surrendering worries to a higher power. “Why trust a yoga mat when you can trust the Creator?” he asks.
Trusting God’s plan is another key theme. In a society obsessed with control, Stone urges believers to let go and rely on divine guidance. He points to Bible verses like Proverbs 3:5-6, which warns against leaning on human understanding. This counters today’s “do-it-all-yourself” mentality, showing how humility before God reduces pressure to fix every problem alone.
Rest isn’t laziness—it’s obedience. Dr. Stone emphasizes Jesus’ example of taking breaks from ministry work. While activists push nonstop hustle culture, Christians are called to prioritize spiritual renewal. Taking time for quiet reflection or nature walks isn’t selfish; it’s following Christ’s model for sustainable living.
Community support matters too. The book encourages church involvement over isolated coping methods. In an age of online influencers, Stone stresses that real relationships within congregations provide accountability and comfort secular groups can’t match. “Your Instagram followers won’t bring you casserole when life crashes,” he notes.
Self-compassion gets a biblical makeover in Stone’s approach. Instead of pop psychology’s “love yourself” messages, he teaches that worth comes from being God’s creation. This shifts focus from temporary feelings to eternal truth. It’s not about boosting self-esteem but recognizing inherent value through Christ’s sacrifice.
Critiquing modern stress trends, Stone warns against quick fixes like mindfulness divorced from Scripture. He agrees breathing exercises help but insists they’re empty without prayer. “You can’t Zen your way out of real problems,” he says. True peace requires addressing spiritual roots, not just symptoms.
The solution isn’t complicated, Stone concludes. By praying constantly, trusting God’s control, resting purposefully, and leaning on church family, Christians can navigate life’s storms. While the world chases ever-changing wellness fads, believers have unchanging truth. As Philippians 4:7 promises, God’s peace “will guard your hearts and minds”—no subscription required.
