We recently asked the YouVersion Community in the U.S. how they feel about stress, current events, and what role the Bible plays during times of stress. The survey examined stress caused by current events, at both national and international levels, and how reading the Bible changes the effects of stress on people’s daily lives. Then, we compared those results with the 2017 “Stress in America” study conducted by the American Psychological Association.*

The exciting news is that our U.S. Bible reading community is less stressed than the average American.

The APA survey reports that well over half (59%) of its respondents say terrorism is a significant source of stress. In contrast, only 18 percent of Bible App survey respondents say terrorism is the current event that causes them a significant amount of stress.

Similarly, the APA survey showed 57 percent of people say the current political climate is a very or somewhat significant source of stress, while only 16 percent of YouVersion respondents say the national political climate is the current event that causes them the most stress.

Why is this the case?

“I’m not surprised by the results of our survey,” said Bobby Gruenewald, founder of YouVersion.

“The Bible withstands the test of time because it speaks to the real struggles we face every day. For thousands of years, Scripture has helped people find peace despite the circumstances around them.”

In the YouVersion study, 30 percent say that reading Scripture before a stressful event occurs helps them best deal with stress, and 41 percent say reading Scripture in the moment best helps them find relief.

And when they turn to Scripture to deal with stress, 47 percent first look at the Verse of the Day. Others first look up their favorite verses from memory (45%), resume reading where they last left off in the Bible (45%), or search for a YouVersion Bible Plan (40%) to deal with stress.

How about you?

Whether it’s stress, loneliness, loss or doubt, the Bible can give you the perspective you need, laying it all at God’s feet. Bible Plans are a great way to start, helping you study, understand, meditate on, and apply biblical truth to your life.

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Technology has given us the opportunity to provide the Bible on the devices we carry everywhere. You can open and engage with it throughout the course of your daily life, no matter where you find yourself.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

* American Psychological Association (2017). Stress in America: Coping with Change. Stress in America™ Survey.

The Last Arrow
Erwin Raphael McManus and WaterBrook Multnomah, 5 days

In this devotional based on his book, Mosaic pastor and iconoclast Erwin McManus inspires you to begin pursuing your dreams now, to prepare yourself for opportunities in advance, and to pour everything you have into living your present life fully.

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School Meditations
Abide, 5 days

Listen to these short audio devotionals with your child each day before school, and draw closer to God together, as kids lead you through prayer and meditation on such topics as overcoming fear, the value of hard work, self-image at school, and more.

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Rooted
Banning Liebscher and WaterBrook Multnomah, 21 days

Drawing on biblical examples from the life of David, these short devotionals from Banning Liebscher (founder and pastor of Jesus Culture) help you put down roots — through prayer, service and community — and then gradually spread them into the solid foundation of a strong, enduring faith.

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Called to Create
Jordan Raynor and Baker Books, 5 days

Featuring daily Bible readings and excerpts from his book, entrepreneur and best-selling author Jordan Raynor shares true stories about the lives of Casper ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Arthur Guinness, showing how they used their gifts to glorify God, love others, and make disciples — and inspiring you to do the same.

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i am n
The Voice of the Martyrs and David C Cook, 7 days

Scripture readings and dramatic stories will inspire you daily to pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ, as excerpts from the book i am n give you a glimpse into the everyday lives of people all over the world who are being actively persecuted for their faith.

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Hidden Prophets of the Bible
Michael Williams, PhD, 4 days

Take a revealing journey with Bible translation and interpretation expert Michael Williams, Ph.D., as he shares significant messages about Jesus and the gospel from the books of Hosea through Obadiah (four of the Old Testament “Minor Prophets”).

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Stand
Marian Jordan Ellis, 4 days

Devotional thoughts drawn from the book will equip you with inspiration and practical tools that will help you “win life” — by standing strong in your faith, in your convictions, and in your trust in the God who never fails.

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Lead Like Jesus: 21 Days of Leadership
Ken Blanchard and Lead Like Jesus, 21 days

Each day a short devotional, a passage of Scripture, and a prayer present you with immediately actionable, biblically-based principles that can help you develop into a more effective leader.

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Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Whether you call them Bible Plans, Reading Plans, or Devotionals, we offer Plans that cover a broad range of interests, including many in categories you may not have tried yet. Struggling with stress? Looking for wisdom for your relationships? Need a dose of hope or inspiration? Our Discover feature makes it easy and fun to find just the right Plan for the season of life you’re in!

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