The food was in the oven when the texts started coming. One person wasn’t showing up. Another woman, who normally helped me pick up some of the women, was working late. A couple of people that needed rides lived on opposite sides of town were getting off at different times, and I wasn’t sure how it was all going to work.
Suddenly I was juggling.
I thought I had time and now I had not enough time. I thought I had help and now I had none.
You know the path these moments can take you down. The one that makes you cranky. The one that makes you a little bit unbearable, even to yourself.
So much pressure. That’s all I felt.
I climbed in my car, hoping the food would finish cooking and the house wouldn’t burn down while I was gone. I pulled into traffic. I knew what I needed to do. I knew that if I didn’t, I’d keep going down the road that leads to nowhere good. So I began. Without feeling at first, but in faith that my feelings would soon catch up.
Thank you, Lord, for my sweet friend who comes, even though she has to go to work at 3 a.m. in the morning.
Thank you, Father, for that one who is so excited about your Word.
Thank you, Jesus, that I have the privilege of being with these women. For the sweet time we’ll have together tonight. Thank you for sitting with me in this car in this crowded traffic.
Thank you for the peace I feel just talking to you.
And there it was. Exactly what my heart was searching for — peace in the midst of pressure.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. Psalm 71:8 (NIV)
There’s something deep found in gratitude. When we intentionally move toward with praise, it’s transforming. It’s not instantaneous. It doesn’t mean it’s not hard. It just helps you see a bigger picture where that pressure is involved.
- With your loved one.
- With your child.
- With your job.
- With your current situation.
Somehow the focus shifts from pressure only to the good stuff. It’s not a Pollyanna-ish attitude at all. It helps us remember why we do what we do, or who or what we loved, in the first place. It moves us from getting tied up in knots over the smaller stuff to praising God for the good.
Will you take one minute and thank God for what you are doing, or who you are doing it for, and see where it leads? I’ll join in. And while you are at it, if you need someone to pray with you, let us know. I have an amazing team that will help me pray with you.
Suzie
Resources just for you
Today, on Episode #48 of the More Than Small Talk podcast, Holley, Jennifer, and I share where an attitude leads each of us, and what helps in that moment. We splash in lots of grace. I hope you’ll listen.
Come With Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads is a powerful resource that helps you listen for, and say yes to Christ. Check out the book, a free chapter, a free prayer Ebook, and more right here!
Good morning! Thank you for this message because it was exactly what I needed today. I am feeling a lot of pressure with everything on my plate, my family, teaching, coaching, financial issues & needing to buy a new car, and without any help. I’m overwhelmed and tired. So it’s easy to let myself get cranky and that’s not how I want to impact those around me. Thank you for your prayers and your message.
Mandy, we all have those moments and sometimes those seasons. Praying with you today. Lord, cover Mandy. She’s in a pressure-packed season and trying to figure it all out. Pour out your joy and peace over her. Show her what she might not see. Open doors that need to be opened. Supernaturally pour out your Spirit over her. In Jesus’ name.
Thank you so much for this timely reminder as I face yet another medical challenge. This one will take me to UAMS in Little Rock and I will keep my eyes on the one true physician and be grateful for all God has done in my life. God is my strength and comfort.
Thank you Suzie for this! It’s really helpful to me as I wait for exam results of my two sons. I’ll use the waiting period for praise & giving thanks to God.
This is real, thanks for sharing your honest experiences!
I need to let go of the hurt someone I loved deeply caused me by them wanting nothing to do with me. I taught ESL and my husband and I spiritually adopted one of my lost students. We became family. For some reason she decided after six years of us pouring all the love we had into her, she wanted nothing to do with us and we will never know why. It hurts and I’m struggling to let go and forgive. Please pray God will heal all the broken places in my heart where she once filled it with so much joy.
I know you are hurting . I’m praying for you ….
I am also express my attitude through silence. At times I clean furiously and at others I sat in silence, probably with a pout on my face. I’m not brave enough to ask my husband. I love the tips you shared. I do need to bring my emotions to God with honesty. Too often I bring the actions of the “offender” to Him but seldom do I say, “Look hear God, I’m a mess and I need our help”.
Your message is exactly what I needed to hear….right now I am juggling so much with taking care of a special needs child, dealing with adult children and grandchildren, taking care of elderly parents, sibling and an aunt – plus being there for my sister who has cancer. I am constantly reminding myself of all the good things God has done and thanking Him for all He is doing – it is what keeps me going, I know for a fact I would have already gave up or fallen apart.