PRESSURE - Jan. 5th, 2008

Pressure is a necessary & even vital part of life. It just has to be managed correctly. One of my early lessons on the values and dangers of pressure are my remembrances of the sights and mystical sounds of my mother cooking a roast in the "pressure cooker". My father taught me that not enough air pressure in your tires leads to worn tread. Worn tread can then lead to the premature pressure of purchasing new tires! Too much tire pressure is just as destructive. On a more serious note, our blood pressure is so important that medical minds call it a vital sign.
The problem the majority of America has is that we've allowed the pressures of life to get the best of us. Stress is killing us. In fact, the six top causes of death in our country are stress related. Because of all this negative and stressful news, I've coined a phrase to challenge us to a more balanced, stress free life. Here it is.
"Pressure is inevitable...Stress is resistible".
From a biblical perspective, it becomes apparent that this is no new phenomenon. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6 to not worry but "...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..."
Paul picked up on that in Philippians 4:6. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
You see, pressure is inevitable. It's how we choose to handle it that makes us or breaks us.
Here's some power points to help you handle your pressure points.
Handle them with confidence.
Handle them with prayer.
Handle them with thanksgiving.
Handle them with joy.
Handle them with peace.
Handle them with help.
Handle them with focus.
Handle them with wisdom.
All the above mentioned "handles" are available to us 24/7 regardless of our pressure points. Get a firm grip. Stop rehearsing your fears and doubts. Stop allowing your pressure to handle you..You handle your pressure. This is one of the elemental secrets of not being stressed. Being proactive and not reactive.
"Pressure is Inevitable...Stress is Resistible". If you're chronically stressed, take time right now to write down five things you can do today to be proactive in getting a firm grip on the pressures of life. Once you write them down, then go do them. It's past time to take some positive action.
Don't you think it's time to stop being bullied around?
Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam