By Misty Barnes // Lifestyle & Spiritual // EEW Magazine Online

As a child of God, though you are promised God’s peace, you do not get to escape circumstances that place you under tremendous pressure and cause a stress response.

When your brain perceives danger or the unknown, your body releases hormones— adrenaline and cortisol—which are designed to help you quickly react and escape harm. However, when the stress response is chronic, these elevated hormonal levels can negatively impact your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

If you hope to manage your stress levels, identify and employ effective strategies to reduce stress like praying, deep breathing, massages, listening to worship music, taking a hot bubble bath, speaking to a therapist, or even utilizing aromatherapy.

RELATED: 7 ways to release stress and protect your joy

While all these stress reduction methods are great, still, they cannot do what God’s word can which is change your mindset. According to researchers, when you change your perception of stressful situations, problems won’t feel as insurmountable, issues don’t seem as troublesome, and challenges are not quite so overwhelming.

How, then, can you go about shifting your perception and as a byproduct reducing stress? Well, Scripture teaches us that we are transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). Therefore, if you are in need of a perception change, use EEW Magazine Online’s best stress-busting strategy to bring you peace and comfort in worrisome times.

Here are 5 Scriptures—and a prayer— we recommend to help you.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8-9)

You are not walking by yourself. When you remember that the all-powerful one is with you and working for you, it reduces feelings of fear and discouragement.

RELATED: Burnt out? 8 Scriptures to renew your strength

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

In life’s dark valleys, you don’t know which way to go or what may be lurking ahead. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, takes care His sheep by using His rod and staff to lead, guide, protect, and comfort.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” (Psalm 145: 18-19)

Call Jesus when internal and external turmoil cause undue stress. He promises to listen and respond to your crises and cries for help by drawing close to you, meeting your needs, and delivering you.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

If God loves and cares for birds worth a penny, how much more does He love and care for you, His priceless possession? When fear tries to activate your stress response, rest in the knowledge that you will never fall outside the Father’s care.

“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” (Psalm 119:76)

Pray the promises of God over your most stressful circumstances. You will be comforted by God’s endless love, soothed by His warm embrace, and reassured by His faithfulness to perform His word.

A Prayer: God, I am facing distressing circumstances, but I know I can find comfort in Your word. Please help me to hold tightly to your promises as I release my worries to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.