Stress has a way of influencing the way I think and the way I act. I don’t sleep well. I’m short with others. I lack self-confidence. I make poor decisions. And I feel anxious over a perceived lack of control over my life.

Is this true for you?

Maybe you send your wife a half-hearted grin after returning from a long day of work. But beneath your smile, you’re wondering if you have the means to survive another month. You’ve refinanced your loans, hired a debt consultant and built a responsible budget. But you’re still on the verge of going broke. Recently, you found yourself laying awake at night, wondering when your financial difficulties will pass.

Or maybe your responsibilities, both at home and at work, have slowly worn you down. You’ve been tasked with completing 50 hours of work in 35 hours because of a budget cut. And you’re responsible for three growing children, each with unique needs. By the time the weekend hits, you can barely keep it together, treating everyone in your path with less respect than they deserve.

In these moments, you long for an escape from your stress and anxiety. But no matter how hard you try, you’re left feeling tired, overwhelmed and annoyed. Where can you turn?

You can start by meditating on messages of peace and hope found in God’s Word. The four Bible verses below get you started:

1. Philippians 4:6-7 (GNTD)
   Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
2. Matthew 11:28-20 (GNTD)
   Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.
3. Isaiah 12:2 (GNTD)
   God is my savior; I will trust him and not be afraid. The Lord gives me power and strength; he is my savior.
4. Isaiah 40:30-31 (GNTD)
   Even those who are young grow weak; young people can fall exhausted. But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.