When the pressure is on, how do you respond? Do you respond sweet in your spirit, or do you respond with anger, frustration, crying, or throwing a fit or things? Do you lash out at others or become overly emotional? Or do you just get quiet and let your mind go crazy inside with evil thoughts? Last two questions… do you sometimes act out of character or just want to blow up! It’s okay to be honest. This is between you and God, and He wants to help you.

When you’re under pressure, it could look like a lot of things. Your kid or kids could be acting up or you and your fiancé or husband could be feuding. There could be pressure coming at you from work or a ministry assignment or just plain old spiritual warfare. Whatever the case may be, you’ve got to pinpoint where you are and admit that you’re under pressure…before you blow up. I think the best thing to do is talk to God about it.

Remember, it’s a relationship.

I can recall a time awhile back, when I was under serious pressure when my husband and I had to speak for a marriage event at our church. I was hustling around the house trying to get everything ready…from the message to all the trimmings and he was ASLEEP! Talk about pressure. It was on!

I found myself about to go crazy running around the house like a wild woman. And then all of a sudden, I heard the Lord whisper to me, “What do you need?” Near tears and with a winded voice, I said, “Lord, I need help.” And I’ll tell you, when I walked out of my office, my husband opened the door from our bedroom and asked me, “What do you need help with?” I was like, “Oh my goodness! God really did ask me what I needed!” I LOVE it when He does that!

He’s so supernatural! Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:8, “…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (NLT) He knew! And He knows what you need too, sis. So talk to him, especially before you blow up.

Again, I believe the key is realizing where you are at the moment the pressure comes on and pinpointing why you’re so upset, frustrated, or angry. Listen. The Bible never said, that we couldn’t get angry. It’s a natural emotion. But it does tell us, “Be ye angry and sin not.” So that’s why we have to recognize where we are quickly, so we don’t blow up under pressure! Meaning, have an angry outburst, because that’s fleshy!

James 1:19 says, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.” (NLT) Now…if you blew up already either recently or in the past, ask God to forgive you and repent right now. It’s vital. I think many of us have been there before and it feels horrible afterwards. But no self-condemnation! The key is to make it right with God quickly and make an effort with the help of the Holy Spirit and the word of God to overcome this negative behavior. Amen.

In addition to prayer, here are just a few practical tips that you can use before you blow up. Consider drinking some hot tea, or lay down, or go take a hot relaxing bath. Watch a good, wholesome movie to get your mind off of things or take a long walk or ride to cool down. Another thing that you could do is schedule a full-body massage. The key is to relax and ease your mind, before things go haywire.

So, I’ll say it one more time…ponder where it’s all coming from. Pause for a minute and try to get a handle on things. Think about what’s happening. Are you dealing with spiritual warfare, is your menstrual cycle approaching, are you tired, hungry, or stressed? Did someone upset you? Pause, pray, and seek wisdom. Again, track it down and ask the Lord to help you to calm down and deal with the situation appropriately. Practicing self-control and humility are BIG keys to winning this battle. Try these things…before you blow up. 😉

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye    

Recommended book this week, “Managing Your Emotions” by Joyce Meyer.

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