5 Ways to Find Peace Amid the Pressure

Do you ever feel like you cannot get a break? You come to a point in life where things finally seem to be settling down, a time where you can take a breather….only to realize the next chaotic moment is only beginning- One mountain top experience quickly followed by a valley interruption.

Sure, that is life….the ups and downs we all go through, but how do you find peace amid the pressure of what surrounds?

1.      PRAY AND ASK GOD FOR HELP

When things seem to go awry many often turn to other people, things, substances, etc. to find peace in the midst, of their unrest. Where is the first place you turn when your world seems to be falling apart? God’s Word say…

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

How often do you turn to God first and pray for peace in the midst of your unrest? Turning to Him first for direction, guidance, and comfort could mean the difference between feeling peaceful or pressured.

2.      EVALUATE AND ELIMINATE THINGS THAT CREATE PRESSURE

So often we find ourselves staying in the same patterns of life. Surrounding ourselves with situations, people, and other negative stressors that cause undue pressure that could be avoided.  Taking a full assessment of the things, people, situations, etc. that cause extra pressure is the start of eliminating unnecessary stress that could otherwise be avoided or redirected. Once you figure out who or what may be causing you extra pressure, you can begin to set or extend boundaries, as necessary.

3.      ACKNOWLEDGE THE PRESSURE

Many people tend to hold on to negative emotions. Suppressing feelings and pretending nothing is bothersome; not realizing the effects those emotions have on their internal being. It is OK to acknowledge the pressures you may be experiencing. Reaching out to others and acknowledging the pressure you are experiencing can help lessen your burden. After all, God’s Word says….

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2)

There are others out there who want to carry your burdens. Who can you reach out to today? Who is willing to help you carry your burdens?

4.      CAPTURE YOUR THOUGHTS

It’s very easy to get caught up in media, whether it is social media or the nightly news.  With all the unrest in the world today, from disasters, to diseases, to politics, it is easy to let our thoughts captivate our mind. Many times, the things we watch or the things we read cause us undue pressure and disrupt the peace God wants us to have. Taking your thoughts captive and only focusing on those things that are pure can make a difference between peace and unrest.

5.      EMBARK ON A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO GOD

The choices we make every day whether it be in the actions we display or the words we speak, all have an effect. Those choices can cause us to experience peace or convict us with feelings of unrest. As we chose to live a life that is pleasing to God, focusing on those things that are un-scene as opposed to those things that are scene, can give hope in the midst of pressure.

What do you need to do today to find peace amid your pressure?

What would it take to eliminate those things that cause unrest?

How could others help you with the pressure you are experiencing?

What changes do you need to make to live a life that is pleasing?