We all have to deal with various pressures in our lives: pressure to act, to perform, to conform, to stand out, or to advance. We can even feel pressure to buy things we don't need to impress people we don't know, or to fix a troubled marriage or rescue a rebellious teen.
But when the pressure is on, it can distract us so that we don't think clearly. Seldom do we make good decisions or wise choices when we are under pressure. In fact, when you feel the pressure that you have to make a rush decision, that's the very moment when you should back up, take a breath, and make yourself take some time to analyze your choices more closely.
The Bible tells us to cast our cares on God, to trust Him, because He cares for you. With every temptation and pressure, God has promised relief and a way of escape. Refuse to let the pressures of life steal your joy and peace.
"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 it's true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do it's work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." James 1:2-4 (MSG)