Are there ways to prevent or minimize pressure?
John 16:33“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
1 Corinthians 10:12-13If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
James 1:2-3When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
God’s Word does not encourage us to hope for avoidable or minimized pressure. It doesn’t say “If troubles come” but “When troubles come,” creating pressure on us to be ready, rather than assuming God’s purpose is to shield us from pressure. God’s presence is more apparent and helpful in the middle of a trial than when everything seems calm. We usually learn more and grow more during hard times, when we have no doubt that we need God’s help.
Isaiah 33:2Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble.
Isaiah 40:28-31Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
The Lord wants to give us strength every day, not just in times of trouble. Calling on his wisdom and power every day will ease the pressures that have built up while we were trying to do things on our own. Waiting on the Lord involves acknowledging his timing in the ebb and flow of pressures in our lives.
1 Kings 22:13-14Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.” But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what the Lord tells me to say.”
Daniel 1:8Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.
We need to determine to be faithful to God before the times of pressure come. We should ask God to help us identify the lines we will never cross. It is much harder to make those decisions when the pressure of temptation is already on.
Psalm 38:4My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear.
Isaiah 48:17-18This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.”
When we obey God, we avoid the pressures and complications in our lives that come from sin. The pressure of consequences that flow from bad decisions and actions can be avoided by making wise choices. God gives us his instructions to live by because he loves us and wants our lives to be wholesome and satisfying.
Psalm 1:1Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
1 Corinthians 15:33Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
We will respond to and avoid many sinful pressures better if we choose godly companions and counselors to help us.
Psalm 69:1Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck.
Matthew 14:28-30Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Ask God for help with situations before they become catastrophes. But recognize that sometimes you don’t remember how badly you need God’s help until a catastrophe is imminent. When you are suddenly in trouble, don’t hesitate to cry out for help.
