“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NLT).
Sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe because of self-induced pressure or someone else’s expectations of me. And at times, I get tired even thinking about trying to follow through on all of the commitments that I’ve made as a freelance writer.
But I know that “God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again” (John 3:17 MSG).
So, when I finally sit down and bring my feelings to the Lord, I remember His promises of freedom, strength, provision, and peace.
Freedom from judgment. Romans 8:1-2 reveals the promise that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death (MSG).
Strength for our weakness. God also promises to give me His strength in my weaknesses. In 2 Cor. 12:9-10, I read,
My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become (MSG).
Provision for our needs. And did you know that God also promises to provide all that you need in Christ Jesus? “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19 NLT).
Peace through prayer. So, if you’re struggling with self-induced pressure or fighting a battle with judgment or condemnation, I encourage you to stop what you’re doing for just a moment and voice your fears and needs to God. He promises to provide His peace through prayer.
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Phil 4:6-7 MSG)
How do you deal with your self-induced pressure as a writer?
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Karen, thank you for these rich Scriptures! The problem I have is remembering that so many of my pressures are indeed self-inflicted. I can sometimes feel like a victim when under a ton of deadlines—ridiculous! Didn’t I sign up for every one?? And arent they each a blessing, when done out of our fullness in Christ?? Karen, Thanks for re-directing us in our moments of panic!!
Karen, thank you for sharing these words and encouragement. One “tool” I’ve recently re-discovered (amazing how easy it is to forget things when we’re so harried) is to remember that God has blessed us with opportunities–whether in our writing or reaching out to others in another venue–because He is confidant in us and therefore He will help us to achieve what He wants us to, when He wants us to. I just keep visualizing that He is holding my hand, helping me to look both ways before I cross the street.
Thank you for the reminder. When I feel overwhelmed by my own self-induced deadlines, I take a step back and quiet myself before God. It’s a discipline, like exercise, that grows stronger each time I do it.
In moments like this I find great comfort in trusting the Holy Spirit … it always helps.