Good and Stressful

There is no such thing as a pressure-free life. Perhaps in heaven, we’ll feel no pressure, only total peace, and contentment. But here and now we have responsibilities, and responsibilities create pressure and stress.

Pressures generally come from two directions: what others expect of us and what we expect of ourselves. It is so easy to let yourself be driven by the agendas of other people! Their voices form a deafening chorus, incessantly telling us what we ought to do. The apostle Paul heard such voices, but he had an inner settledness that enabled him to affirm, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy” (Acts 20:24).

Like Paul, we can allow the pressures of life to point us to Jesus Christ and draw upon His strength. What J. Hudson Taylor, the veteran missionary to China, said bears repeating, “It matters not how great the pressure is, only where the pressure lies. As long as the pressure does not come between me and my Savior, but presses me to Him, then the greater the pressure, the greater my dependence upon Him.”

If the pressures of life are keeping you from running your race with joy, bring them to Jesus. He has promised rest for all who are “heavy laden” (Matt. 11:28).

Taken from FamilyLife Marriage Bible