Stress Management: Tips on Doing Things God’s Way!

An interview with Peter Kuehni, Founding Partner, DeliberateU

It’s been said: “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” Stress is actually unavoidable, and impacts everyone. But we can change our attitude towards it. If you are battling overwhelming stress, there is one question you can ask yourself that will make an amazing difference. Here it is: ‘Who is in charge of your life?’  Worldly advisors will tell you to ‘take control’ over your situation, but the biblical perspective is to know God’s Word enough to apply God’s truth to what is causing you anxiety. In other words, are you going to follow your own advice, or are you going to take Jesus at His Word, and actually BELIEVE His Word?  Pete Kuehni has lots to share with us about this choice!

Pete’s Story

Pete grew up on a farm in Northern Ontario; although he did not come from a Christan home, Pete felt the call of God when he was in his early 20’s. After marrying his university sweetheart Cathy, together they learned to journey with Jesus, seeking to be His apprentices, trying to do what He would do. No different from most others, Pete struggled at times with anxiety, discouragement, worries – some small and others overwhelming. Before talking about what stress management means to him, Pete shared what it does NOT mean. It does not mean a feel-good approach to easy living, although an outcome might be to ‘feel good’; it does not mean a strategy to avoid pressure and challenges; it does not mean having a few tricks to ‘just get through the day”.

What does it mean? For Pete, it means first acknowledging that stress is unavoidable. Secondly, he must take responsibility for his anxiety. Thirdly, understanding Jesus’ teachings and applying what the bible teaches as needed. Fourthly, it means developing a faith-based resilience to keep his eyes focused on God’s way, not his own way as he walks through trials. When asked to give one piece of practical advice to someone starting out in business, Pete advises: “choose to learn from Jesus. As His apprentice, create space for the Spirit to journey with you, as He changes you from the inside out. You’ll have a deeper, richer relationship of oneness with Him, when you do this!”

Pete’s Favourite Illustration

He recalls the time he faced numerous crushing pressures, including an ill business partner with debilitating health challenges, team conflicts regarding COVID policies, disturbing business declines, lawsuits from clients in a business going sideways, and potentially a looming financial ruin “just around the corner”.  Pete had to decide whether to take his own advice and take Jesus at His Word.

Distressed, he went for long walks up and down his long tree-lined driveway.  Pete recalls shouting out loud truth affirmations from scripture, such as: “I am Your Beloved Son!”; “Your joy is my strength today!”; “I release my need for outcomes because in You, I have ALL that I need!”. As he declared these scriptures to be true for himself, in his present need, God met him, bringing peace, increasing his faith. Eventually he experienced a growing release from all tormenting anxious attitudes. In other words, he had reached a crisis moment. He had to decide who was in charge of his life, his worries and his anxieties. Is Pete sitting in the driver’s seat, or is God in total control?

Biblical Principle

Remember God’s presence and peace “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7 NIV).  Prayer and gratitude help shift focus from our problems to God’s sufficiency, producing peace in our hearts, even during pressure.

Trust in God’s provision “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34a NIV). Much stress is tied to fear of the future. Jesus calls us to live one day at a time, trusting God’s care and believing He will supply all of our needs. Rely on God’s strength, not your own “But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a NIV). Stress reveals our limits but also points us to God’s limitless grace and strength.

In conclusion, Pete offers another piece of advice: “instead of managing stress try leading yourself as God directs amid life’s pressures and trials, choose to grow in Christ as your top goal. Daily turn to Jesus, pray and talk to Him, and seek to trust Him as your Guide, asking Him to meet your needs.  Submit your will and expect Christ to meet you as you yield to His presence and power at work in your life.”