Pressure

 We face pressure from many directions. There is the pressure to perform. There is another pressure to conform to certain social norms. There is the pressure to provide. There is the pressure to succeed and not fail. There is the pressure to obey Jesus and resist temptation to sin. There is the added pressures to learn new technology at an ever increasing pace. Also, there is the pressure to pray, serve, deny self, sacrifice, and worship. 

Is anyone else exhausted? Some of the most stressed out people in our society are teenagers. They receive pressure from parents, peers, teachers, coaches, pastors and student pastors. They try to measure up to expected standards. The pressure sometimes sends them over the edge mentally. They are often anxious. They masquerade portraying a persona of what everyone thinks they should be. They do not feel the freedom to exit the pressure and just be who God created them to be. 

Some pressure in life is good. Pressure from a saw can produce lumber. Pressure from a wrench can tighten a bolt. Pressure from pushing a mower can result in an manicured lawn. Pressure of weights can build bulging muscles for the weightlifter. 

The pressure from weight on the bar creates resistance which causes the muscles to strain. Under the strain, the muscle fibers break down to rebuild bigger with more strength. This kind of pressure produces stronger bones and muscles. This is good pressure. 

There is unhealthy pressure. We could also call it stress. When a person is overworked. When the demands of the job or physically and emotionally impossible to meet. When the work week lasts way too long and the weekend is way to fleeting. When nights of sleep do not replenish. 

There is the unhealthy pressure of toxic thinking. Thinking you can never measure up. The pressure of trying to hide your flaws and present a pretend version of yourself. This unhealthy thought cycle can lead to migraines, at least and mental breakdowns at worst, where a person can no longer cope. They crater under the pressure. Mentally and emotionally. 

In a positive sense, God uses pressure to build faith, to promote perseverance, to increase insights into His word, and to reveal His power. 

Just this week let me share some of the things I have heard from others about the pressure in their lives. Some are battling extreme health issues. Some are facing financial difficulties. Others struggle with marriages coming apart at the seams. There are those who feel under appreciated and not respected on their jobs. Some stare helplessly at aging parents slowly fading away. A few battle mental health issues. Then there are some who face crippling fears, relentless temptation and bondage to sin. 

There are few people in life who do not feel some type pressure. 

Let me share a lesson I learned a long time through weightlifting. The pain is momentary. When the muscles strain, the sweat oozes, the burn begins and the pain persists, I get through those exercises knowing it will end. Sometimes I count the repetitions in multiples of five because it appears easier to my mind. I think if I can just do the next five and then the next five. I push through knowing rest and relief will come. 

Your rest and relief is found in Jesus. Sometimes you have to stop all the activity and get away with Him for awhile. That was His habit as seen in [Mark 1:35]There is a little two bedroom cabin in deep east Texas where I frequent a couple times of year to get away. To pray. To read in order to refuel. To walk slowly with God listening for His counsel. To soak His presence in solitude. To slow down. 

When I can't make that trek, I sometimes choose to eat alone. To go for a long walk for exercise but also to exhale pressure. To step out of the trap of what I perceive to be other people's expectations. To refocus on what Jesus demands. To unload my cares on Him. 

There is another good pressure. The pressure of a potter molding clay. Applying the pressure to produce a vessel of the sculpture's imagination and desire. All the clay has to do is two things. Remain pliable and remain in the potter's hand. That is what we need to do. To remind ourselves to remain moldable and always stay in the ultimate Potter's hand. Let God's pressure have His perfect result. Remember He is not done working on you yet. 

Phil 1:6 Jer 18:1-6