When I travel, on the day I fly back home I try to remember that I’m going back to 8,500 feet above sea level. If I forget to slightly deflate my cosmetic tubes as I pack them, they’ve been known to spray lotion or cleanser all over the room — and me — because of the buildup of pressure in the tubes.

This got me thinking. How do I guard against the pressure of daily living? I love traveling and meeting with Lutheran Women in Mission around the country for various reasons, but when I arrive back home I find a backlog of work to do. The pressure begins to build. I’m not always aware that the pressure is building, and I often put this pressure on myself. This world is filled with pressures and obligations — some we put on ourselves and some are put on us by others or by the established traditions of our families or organizations.

Of course, I know that pressure is not always a bad thing. As we exercise our bodies, we put pressure on our muscles and they gain strength and improve our endurance. As we go through the trials of living in this world, God strengthens us spiritually as we rely on His truths. But I do believe that pressure needs to be alleviated, to be relieved so we don’t burst!

Have you ever done that, let the pressure build and then burst? You shout something you wish you could take back, but you can’t take back hurtful words — you can only ask for forgiveness. So how can I guard against the pressures of daily living? I can go to the Source. Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear (Psalm 118:5–6a).

But … sometimes I go to the Lord only after trying other means of relief. Why do I do that? Honestly, I can just see Jesus shaking His head! It’s like trying to cut through a tough steak with a fork and realizing you have a sharp knife right there. With a nudge from the Holy Spirit, I go to the Source once again. When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul (Psalm 94:18–19).

I love this next Bible verse. I love when Jesus says, “Take heart.” Please join me in reading this verse, finding the comfort it brings, and discovering the confidence that can only come from the Source.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie