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 to make us 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.

While it's important to not passively let life just happen, it's also important to find a secure place each day where we can deal with whatever we need to face today and then wisely let the rest go.

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 knows there will be pressures to 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 His goodness and His consistent support in all we do.

Heavenly Father, when we feel pressured and overwhelmed, help us to remember that You are with us.  You’ve promised to show us a way forward and to supply everything we need to do what we need to do. 

When we feel pressure we pray that we won’t give in to dark thoughts but that we would simply let those emotions be a signal to us to remind us to talk to you about what’s going on and to remember that You will never leave us to face anything alone. 

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

We’re so grateful that we don’t have to always do things perfectly. Everyone is learning.  Just help us to stay focused on what we can do today, to build one step at a time, to celebrate progress, and to look for good in each situation we encounter.  Help us to trust You with all of our hearts, no matter what we face, and let go of stress.  Amen

Let’s face today’s pressures with the confidence God’s care and guidance provides for us.  Have a wonderful day.