“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”
– Exodus 25:8
Are you feeling stressed these days? If so, you’re not alone.
According to a 2025 report from Modern Health, 75% of survey respondents reported experiencing some form of low mood — largely driven by politics and current events — and 74% said they want mental health resources specifically addressing global political turmoil. What’s more, almost half of them said that life was easier during the COVID-19 pandemic than it is today!
Joseph and Mary, Jesus’ earthly parents, also knew a thing or two about stress. After all, they experienced emotional stress from the scandalous rumors swirling around her pregnancy. They endured physical stress from the grueling trip to Bethlehem mandated by the Roman census. And with money in short supply, financial stress was always in the picture. Can you relate?
But God had a plan for them … as well as one for you and me. Psalm 139 reveals that our Creator knew us before we were ever formed in our mother’s womb. He also knew when and where we’d be born, what sort of life we’d lead, and when we’d die. And since we consistently break his laws and fall short of his standards of perfection, he also knew that we'd need someone to save us from the well-deserved consequences of our transgressions. We’re powerless to do that ourselves. That’s why God decided to do it by living out the human experience on Earth through his Son, Jesus. He was the long-prophesied Emmanuel: God with us.
It's because he endured unimaginable stress (and so much more) for our sakes 2,000 years ago that Jesus relates to us in the 21st century. What’s more, he dwells with us today — and he’ll be with us always. So, if politics, current events, and daily living are elevating your stress levels, you can rest assured through Christ’s proclamation in John’s gospel:
“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.”
