Dealing With Pressures

 Dealing With Pressure

Who of us hasn't felt pressured recently – maybe even today?  There are so many demands on our time and attention, so many uncertainties in our world, and so much we don't know about what we need to do to be safe and successful. 

Sometimes the pressure comes from having all kinds of opportunities and feeling overwhelmed by the decisions we need to make.  We want what is best.  We want what will work.

God’s Word encourages us to look at the pressures in our lives in this way:

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.  James 1:2-4

God has a good plan for us and is willing to help us find and work at it successfully.  God knows there will be pressures we face every day but He promises that He will be with us and that the lessons we learn, even in times of challenge and pressure, will help us develop confidence and faith in God’s goodness and His constant support in all we do.

Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. 

James 1:12

One of the greatest pressures we put on ourselves is the fear of making a mistake when part of the learning process is doing exactly that.  No one is perfect.  Everyone is learning.  Those who learn the most are those who are willing to stay focused on what they can do today, build one step at a time, celebrate progress, and find all the good they can in each situation.

Heavenly Father, when we feel pressure we pray that we will use it as a reminder to talk to You about what’s going on.  Give us courage and strength to live through the pressure with You, knowing that You want to work good out of it all for us.

Help us not to be overwhelmed by pressures but rather to lean on Your strength and wisdom.  We’re so grateful that You are with us, ready to show us a way forward, and promise to give us what we need. 

Help us to trust You with all of our hearts and let go of pressure.  Amen

Times of pressure are never fun but let’s face our set of pressures today with confidence in God’s care for us.  In spite of pressures, let’s have a great day.