Managing Stress by Learning to Listen to God

“Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray.” Luke 5:15-16 (NCV)

In a world of constant pressure and stress, prayer is like a spiritual decompression chamber.

Jesus knew that. When I read the Gospels, I see him—over and over again—leaving the stress of his everyday life and going off by himself to pray. Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (NIV).

And the next verse shows that this was Jesus’ habit: “News about Jesus spread even more. Many people came to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses, but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray” (Luke 5:15-16 NCV).

If Jesus felt the need to pray and be with God, how much more do I need that? “But I’m too busy to spend a lot of time in prayer,” I think. The truth is, I'll have nothing to give to others if I don’t take time to let God fill me up.

The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NCV). It’s in regular, quiet time with God in prayer that he recharges, renews, and restores you. And the busier I get, the more I need this time.

So how do I make space in my life to listen to God? 

First, I need to be quiet for an extended period of time. Find somewhere outside or in a quiet corner of my home. Then sit and ask, “God, is there anything you want to say to me?” And then just be still and listen.

God might bring an idea to mind. Or he might prompt you to read a passage of Scripture and speak to me that way.

If I have trouble focusing while praying because you’re worried about something. Instead of focusing on what I'm worried about, let God direct me to a passage of Scripture that addresses my worry, and then focus on that Scripture instead.

God wants to talk to me. He just needs me to put aside the demands of daily life and take time to listen to him!

In summary:

Jesus modeled how to handle life’s constant pressures by regularly withdrawing to quiet places to pray and reconnect with God. Despite his busy ministry and endless demands, he made time for solitude and communion with the Father—showing that spiritual strength flows from stillness. If Jesus needed that time, I need it even more. When I pause to be still, listen, and let God refill me, He renews my strength, restores my peace, and realigns my focus. The busier life becomes, the more essential it is to slow down, make space for God’s voice, and let prayer become my place of restoration and clarity.

Bottom line:

To handle life’s pressures with peace and clarity, I must regularly step away from the noise, spend time in prayer, and let God refill and renew my spirit.

Next steps:

My next step is to build a consistent rhythm of quiet connection with God—set aside a specific time each day, even 10–15 minutes, to step away from distractions, be still, and pray. Use that time not just to talk, but to listen—ask God what He wants to show me or shape in me. I might also create a simple “renewal space”—a chair by a window, a spot outdoors, or even a quiet corner—where I can regularly meet with Him. As I make this a habit, I’ll notice greater peace, clarity, and strength flowing into the rest of my day.