Stress and Anxiety Solutions for Leaders

The foundations of our faith in response to stress are critical in dealing with stress and anxiety.  The responses to this topic from our business leaders overwhelmingly emphasized a reliance and a focus on Him.  “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” (Isaiah 26:35).

A business leader in Oxford emphasized the importance of welcoming people into the CBRT community, particularly to our Round Tables, to support and strengthen one another. We are called to be arm bearers for each other, just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses during the battle with the Amalekites.  Together, business leaders can navigate challenges and find peace and hope through our faith.  See our list of Round Tables on our website: https://thebusinessrt.org/round-tables/.

One business leader noted that people may be troubled, but they can put on bravado but not be well in truth.  Keep your eyes open and be sensitive to those in need around us.

A business leader, who also works as a life coach, is participating in a CBRT Round Table and is currently facing an influx of clients dealing with extreme emotional distress. The economic challenges are impacting everyone, including those at the top. “Business reserves are depleting, and people are maxing out their credit. The overall stress level is significant.” This underscores the critical importance of self-care.

Well of Blessings
One business leader in Oxford noted, “If our foundation relies on the American dream, our business, and our lifestyle, it may crumble. This applies to Christians as well. Imagine a well of blessing—we become accustomed to drawing from it. However, when God desires to deepen our faith, He allows that well to run dry. In those moments, we must turn to Him for provision. It’s a time of trust. He will meet our needs, even during unsettling times. Don’t be caught off guard by fiery trials. Instead, trust that although one well may dry up, God will reveal another path.”

One Kalamazoo Round Table member noted that we love the times of blessing, but we go deeper with Him during times of trial.  Weak men create hard times, hard times create strong men.

Seek First the Kingdom
One business leader in Rochester faced a life-altering decision. The Lord guided him, saying that he wasn’t responsible for sales but should seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things would be added to him. This journey has been a struggle. During this time, the Lord taught him to be transparent and honest. When facing issues that cause anxiety, he learned to be honest with God: “Lord, I am fearful of losing this client, missing a deadline, or going over budget. I am getting fearful and upset.” This honesty has helped him manage his fear and understand its roots. The Lord brings him back to a place of peace, enabling him to make thoughtful decisions and avoid knee-jerk reactions.

Wisdom Comes from God
We have been taught to rely on a tactic or strategy that worked for another company.  It may not work for us as we don’t have all the same ingredients for that to work.  Getting wisdom from the Lord on how to handle things is critical.

One business leader from Kalamazoo shared Matthew 11:28-30.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Recently, the Catholic Bishop reflected on the story of Lazarus. In this Bible story, Jesus did not rush to save Lazarus. When He arrived, Lazarus was already dead, and Jesus wept. This illustrates Jesus’ humanity and His capacity for human emotions. It shows that frailty is part of the human experience, and perfection is unattainable. We must acknowledge our stress and anxiety and understand that it is okay to feel bad sometimes.

“When we fix our eyes on him, the author and finisher of our faith, and count it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith creates endurance, and endurance has its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Upcoming Events
Please mark your calendar for our Grand Rapids Leadership Breakfast with Dr. Matt Lucas, CEO/President of Our Daily Bread Ministries.  Our event is on Friday, July 19 from 8:00 – 9:30 am at Grand Valley State University.

Please join us for our Kalamazoo Leadership Breakfast on Friday, August 16 from 8:00 – 9:30 am at the Kalamazoo Country Club.  GB Richmond, founder of Goodbye Money Stress is our keynote speaker.