According to a high school psychology textbook, stress is "a
particular pattern of disturbing psychological and physiological
reactions that occur when an environment event threatens important
motives and taxes one's ability to cope."

In plain English, stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment.

But not all stress is bad -- some stress is good. In fact, everyone
needs stress in their lives; without it, life would be dull and
unexciting. Stress adds flavor, challenge and opportunity to life.
Stress can pump you up, give you energy, supply that zest for living.

Stress is an unavoidable part of life. The challenges caused by
stress help to develop new skills and behavior patterns. The problems
occur, however, when stress becomes excessive. It can become
destructive and can turn into distress. Too much stress on your mind
and body can make you feel miserable, worried, sad and ill.

Contrary to popular belief, stress is not the pressure from the
outside--the divorce, the death, the burned supper, the vacation, the
isolation. Those are stressors. Your response to those situations constitutes stress.

Matthew 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a
single hour to his life?

John 16:33 "I have told you these
things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)