The demands of everyday life carry the potential for a full-blown stress buffet. The plate of our daily routines includes meeting needs and expectations for others as well as ourselves. Our plates quickly become overloaded as we pile on more demands. We find ourselves in some combination of depending on others and others depending on us. A single unexpected situation can add too much to our already overloaded plate, and throw this delicate daily system out of balance. We find ourselves confused, uncertain, anxious, frustrated and stressed as we struggle to regain balance and return our plate to a reasonable portion. You may be reluctant to pray when you find yourself under pressure. However, it is in these critical moments that it is crucial to convey your concerns to God. When you find yourself in the midst of crisis, pray from your heart and remember that the Lord is:

1. Present  – Matthew 28:20 ends “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Lord is just a whisper away. He is always available and never too busy, tired, or angry to listen when you call. He never sleeps. Psalm 72:23 says “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” We never need to worry about God being unavailable when we need him. Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” We can rest assured that the Lord is present in each crisis we face.
2. Faithful – the Lord is generous and gracious. Exodus 34:6 says “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,”  God is not like man who can be selfish, temperamental and conditional. God is FOR you – He is generous and consistent. Deuteronomy 32:4 says it this way: “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” He eagerly awaits his invitation into your situation.
3. Moving – Even when it’s not obvious or doesn’t feel like it, God is still working on your behalf. 1 Corinthians 12:6 says “There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”  Romans 8:28 reminds us that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Crises are intended to mature you and bring you into a greater understanding of God’s character. James 1:2-4 tell us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

Your refining time in a spiritual pressure cooker is ultimately for your benefit. Such experiences can strengthen and mature you. Praying under pressure effectively outsources your worry, anxiety, and frustration to The One who can meet needs according to His infinite resources rather than your limited supply:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19