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 MSG)
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 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 God’s goodness and His consistent support in all we do.
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 best are those who are willing to stay focused on what they can do today; who build one step at a time; who celebrate progress; who look for good in each situation they encounter.
Feeling pressure is a signal to remind us to talk to God about what’s going on and to remember that God will never leave us to face anything alone.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, when I feel pressured and overwhelmed, help me to remember that You are with me, You will show me a way forward, and You will supply everything I need to do what I need to do. Help me to trust You with all my heart and let go of stress. Amen
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