| 1:27 MIN READ |

What pressures are you facing? The word “pressure” refers to “the burden of physical or mental distress; the constraint of circumstance; the stress or urgency of matters demanding attention.” (Merriam- Webster Dictionary).

Pressure comes in many forms—mental, financial, emotional, and relational. It wears away at our strength and energy. It muddies thinking and distorts our perspective. It drains us.

What’s the best way to handle pressure?

We get some answers to this question from the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. The first chapter of this book tells the story of a lady named Hannah, who was under great pressure. Although she was deeply loved by her husband, she was unable to bear children. While this created certain pain and pressure for her, it was made worse by her husband’s second wife, Peninnah. She was a cruel, belittling woman.

Take a look at the pressure Hannah faced from her nemesis. It’s recorded in 1 Samuel 1:6, 7 (NIV) “… her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year … her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.”

How did Hannah respond to this kind of pressure? The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 1:10 (NIV) “In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.”

Hannah turned her pressures to prayer. When she did, God heard, answered and helped her!

Are you under pressure? Take it to God in prayer. He’s the One who will get you through it!

Pastor Dale

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