Stress has been defined as a condition that is brought about by a physiological, psychological, or emotional situation that produces strain on the body (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). According to early researchers of stress (Kanner et al., 1981; Lazarus & Folkman, 1984; Neuman, 1989; Selye, 1974), there are situations, events, or transactions, known as stressors, that impact the body, and the results are often harmful health outcomes.

The continual experience of stress is known as a chronic experience (Selye, 1974) and chronic stress can lead to the development of chronic illness (Holmes & Rahe, 1967). Kanner et al. (1981), described the frequent and repetitive transactions that people face, as daily hassles. A daily hassle and chronic stress, whether physiological, psychological, or emotional, is associated with the development of disease or the exacerbation of illness (Selye, 1974).

Stress is pervasive and it is nearly impossible for an individual to avoid anxiety-producing situations that occur on a daily basis. Although stress is often thought of as something negative, there are pleasant occurrences that produce joy and happiness, with positive outcomes: these positive stressors have been defined as uplifts (Kanner et al., 1981). According to Kanner et al. (1981), a few pleasant experiences that can be stressful are such things as a wedding, birthday party, playing with children or grandchildren, and retirement. Uplifts are positive occurrences that buffer the daily, annoying hassles that one may experience.

Even though uplifts are positive occurrences, they still have the potential to produce negative and unwanted health outcomes (Kanner et al., 1981). Lazarus and Folkman (1984) developed the Cognitive Appraisal Theory (CAT) which indicates that as individuals engage in various transactions, they assess and examine each transaction, and then determine the best way to handle or cope with the transaction. How a person copes with daily stressors often determines if there will be positive or negative outcomes.

In Proverbs 12:25 of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, it is written that “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad”. The wisest man that ever lived indicated that “stress” (hassles) can result in poor outcomes, but there are things, such as positive words (uplifts) that can produce positive outcomes (Proverbs 12:25, KJV). King David indicated, on numerous occasions, that his life was packed with stress and stressful encounters. In fact, King David often experienced stress overload, or burnout, as it may be defined in contemporary literature: he said “I called upon the Lord in distress…” (Psalms 118:5, first part).

Individuals involved in caring professions must learn to accurately appraise daily transactions to lessen the burden the stressors have on their body. In other words, effective coping strategies can serve to diminish or prevent the harmful effects of stress. God desires that His created beings experience health and happiness (3 John 2, Bible, KJV). Stressful situations, whether hassles or uplifts, will occur frequently, as long as a person lives.

When stressors impact our life, we must remember to call upon the Lord in our distress, just like King David, and the Lord will answer on time and will position us “… in a large place.” (Psalms 118:5, second part). Remember 2 Samuel 22:7 (KJV), “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.”. As the saying goes, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s right on time”.