Pressure Valve

 The pressure mounts, increases, and builds. Just in the nick of time the pressure valve releases and the pressure escapes. Like on a steam engine. Or a hot water heater. The pressure builds and builds. It has to be released at some point. Picture an old steam engine locomotive. At some point the engine belches plumes of smoke to release the pinned-up pressure. 

Picture prayer as the release valve to all our built-up pressure. When we can't take it anymore, a little talk with Jesus does a world of good in our souls. We are able to release all that builds up inside us causing stress and anxiety. 

There is an old song I love dearly but have not heard in some time. It goes like this. Let us have a little talk with Jesus, and tell Him all about our troubles, He will answer by and by, He will hear our faintest cry, when you feel a little prayer wheel turning, and you feel a little fire is burning, a little talk with Jesus makes it right. Those little talks with Jesus are our pressure releases. We sure need them. There are no shortages of stressors in this life. Challenging circumstances circle around us like Indians on a warpath against pioneers who have circled the wagons in defense. 

Let me exhort all of us to do something. Slow down for a few minutes. Take the time to slow your breathing. Exhale the pressures of this life and inhale the presence of God. Exhale the pressures. Inhale the presence. Isn't that really the point of Philippians 4:6-7?

Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
⁶  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
⁷  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Exhale the pressures. Be anxious for nothing. With prayer and supplication let your requests be made to known to God. Inhale His presence. Prayer is the pressure valve where we can release some steam. God offers peace in response. All of us could use a little more peace in our days. More peace in our sleep. Go ahead. Use prayer as a pressure valve to release whatever is building up inside you. Exhale the pressures. Inhale His presence.