What are some dangers of pressure?

Matthew 13:22“The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”

Luke 10:40-41Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!”

Pressure of inner expectations, world-centered values, and unrealistic timelines can cause us to focus on the trivial and miss the significant. As pressure squeezes our perspective inward, we lose our ability to look outward. Preoccupation with the constant urgency of the moment blinds us to the bigger picture, in which our concerns are not central.

Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Mark 14:38“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Pressure that leads to ignoring consistent spiritual practices and our acknowledgement of God often makes us especially vulnerable to temptation, because it weakens our resistance.

1 Kings 11:4In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been.

Psalm 1:1-3Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Pressure from unwise significant relationships can make us rationalize sin and compromise our beliefs. The pressure of peers and the seduction of riches can so occupy our hearts that we leave no room for God. Lust crowds out true love, whether in our relationship with our spouse or with ungodly friends.

Psalm 6:7My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.

Psalm 31:9-10Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.

Psalm 77:2-4When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. . . . You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!

Pressure that comes from grief over loss or personal sin can have negative physical effects on us. The mind, soul, and body are interrelated. As one malfunctions, the others get out of sync. Spiritual distress can induce physical or mental distress, just as physical or mental distress can induce sickness in your soul.