Stress Less – Practice 2 – Reveal How You Feel

by

When My Spirit Faints Within Me

Reading: 1 Samuel 22:1-2; Psalm 142

Key Verse: “Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Psalm 142:5

Personal Reflection

Stress shows up in my body before I even name it—tight shoulders, headaches, and eventually sickness if it lingers. Maybe you’ve felt that too. When stress hits, I tend to retreat, clam up, or try to avoid the situation. In my mind I start building stories—defending myself, blaming others, spinning things around so I’m not at fault.

Resilience begins with awareness. Even science confirms that noticing our internal signals—those physical and emotional cues—is the first step toward rewiring how we respond. The more alert we are to these inner signals, the more resilient we will be in the face of life’s hardships.” Psalm 142 shows David doing just that.

Scripture Insight

1. Noticing His Emotions

David doesn’t hide his distress. He pours it out: “I cry aloud… I pour out my complaint… I tell Him all my troubles” (v.1–2). He acknowledges his emotions, and pays attention to what’s happening inside. “When I am overwhelmed, I turn to you…” (v3)

2. Naming His Emotion

He says it plainly: “No one cares for my life” (v.4). Naming his isolation helps him regulate it. He’s not spiraling—he’s grounding.

3. Gaining Distance – Lifting our eyes off our circumstances

David lifts his eyes up: “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, ‘You are my refuge… you are all I really need” (v.5). He lifts his eyes up, out of the circumstances and anchors himself in God’s covenant, not just his cave.

Application

  • Notice: What does stress feel like in your body today?
  • Name: What emotion are you carrying? Say it aloud or write it down.
  • Distance: Look up, and remind yourself that God is truly all you really need. He is in control and He is your refuge!

Prayer

God, when my spirit faints within me, help me notice, name, and entrust my emotions to You. Teach me to respond with wisdom, not autopilot. Be my refuge and portion, even when I feel stuck in the cave.

Reflection Questions

  1. What physical signs tell you stress is building?
  2. What emotion do you need to name today?
  3. How might God be inviting you to see your situation from His perspective?

Leave a Reply