Handling Pressure and Stress with Faith: Finding Peace When Life Feels Heavy
Many of you probably read about the stressful week my family had. I’m beyond grateful that my brother’s surgery was successful, and we’re praying this will be the end of his health issues. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that pressure and stress are part of life, and something we all have to learn to navigate.
The Pressure That Shapes Us
Years ago, I lived in coal country, so I saw firsthand what pressure can do to coal. It’s fascinating to think that under extreme pressure, coal can become a diamond. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, pressure, and heat, but the result is something beautiful. Coal might be useful for fuel or steel production, but a diamond? A diamond can shine for generations.
Still, if coal had feelings, I doubt it would volunteer for the process. Pressure is uncomfortable. Stress can be overwhelming. Just ask a college student in finals week or a law student studying for the bar exam. They’ll tell you how hard it is, but they’ll also say it’s worth it in the end.
When the Outcome Isn’t What We Hoped For
But let’s be honest, sometimes the outcomes don’t feel worth it at all.
Stress from health issues, financial setbacks, or a crumbling marriage doesn’t always lead to a happy ending. Not every diagnosis comes with healing. Not every layoff ends in a better job. And not every relationship survives the strain. Pressure and stress don’t always bring out the best in us, and they certainly don’t always wrap up with a shiny bow.
Even Jesus Felt the Weight of Stress
Even Jesus wasn’t exempt from pressure.
Luke 22:44 (NIV)
44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV)
38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Jesus, God’s own Son, felt the full weight of stress and anguish. He knew what was coming, and still, He faced it with honesty, surrender, and prayer. That humbles me. Because if even Jesus felt the pressure, why do I expect to be immune?
God Heals, Restores, and Brings Peace
Hosea 6:1-3 (NIV) reminds us of God’s restoration:
6 “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. 3 Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
I wish I could say that prayer is always my first instinct. But if I’m being honest? I tend to cry, worry, vent to Joe, call a friend, and try to fix it myself first. Only after I’ve worn myself out do I finally turn to God. And why is that? Because I think my problems are too small to “bother” Him with. But that’s not what Scripture tells us.
God Invites Us to Bring Everything to Him
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) says:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God wants us to bring everything to Him. Big or small. Health scares or hard conversations. Lost keys or lost hope. If it matters to us, it matters to Him. And when we surrender it all to the Lord, He offers us peace, real peace, that nothing else can provide.
So if you’re under pressure right now, you’re not alone. You’re not forgotten. And you’re not weak for feeling overwhelmed. Life is hard, but we don’t walk through it alone. The Lord is with us in every moment, holding us up when we feel like we can’t go on.
And friend, He is so good at turning pressure into something beautiful.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Let’s End with a Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being our constant source of strength when life feels heavy. You see every pressure, every worry, and every tear. Remind us to turn to You first, not as a last resort, knowing that You care deeply about all the things that weigh on our hearts. Help us to trust that You are working even when we don’t see it. And when the pressure feels too great, carry us through it. Thank You for the peace You offer, the healing You bring, and the love You never withhold.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
😊 Love this post!
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Reminding me of verses once learned. Sandy
I love your blog and especially, the Sunday post. PLEASE consider a different font – one that is thicker, bolder, darker, etc. This one is very difficult to read. Thank you!
I can always count on you to bring in a scripture reading that has implications to my life. Stress has been my middle name for almost a year now . Even though it is somewhat diminished it still manifests itself in many different ways. I love your simple prayers. Thank you for all that you provide on a daily basis. May God Bless You with comfort and strength.
Nancy Gustafson
Nancy, you are not alone. Everyone has some level of stress in their life. The worst kind of stress is the kind you can’t control.
This was speaking to me today. Thank you for your Sunday scriptures, and thought, and prayers.
Thank you for sharing this.
Beautiful and inspiring message. Thank you.
Thank you for the post.
Tania Thank you for this wonderful message. I forget some times to take my cares to the only one that can truly help me. I’m glad your Brother is home and doing better. Have blessed week ahead.
Thank you for that beautiful prayer.
Pray first before worry, or fretting or most of all trusting our own way to correct whatever is wrong.
He will make it right, He will grant trust and newness in all things.
He will shine the light were the sun or moon are not needed because of His brightness and righteousness will be all the light that is needed. Amen
Thank you for the post. So true, we need to first take our stress and disappointments to Jesus instead of trying to work it out ourselves.
So glad your brother is doing well! Having some health and family issues and definitely needed the reminder to turn to God. So glad to have found your blog it helps knowing others feel the same way. Beautiful prayer! 🛐
Love this message today. Thanks, Tania!
Thank you Tania. I so needed this today as this past week we had to put a dog down and then two days later we lost my mom. She went peacefully and it was time, but still so hard. One of today’s reading in mass was John 14:1-4, “let not your heart be troubled,” and I teared up. Again, thank you for the beautiful and encouraging words today and continued prayers for your brother.
Carla, I am so sorry you had such a rough week. I’m thankful that this post gave you encouragement when you needed it most.
This message is one that I absolutely needed for my heart and soul today. I’m thankful to the Lord above for me subscribing to this blog and to know there is a wonderful Christian person behind it and devotes a message that I’m sure is needed by many…Thank you, for reminding me that I’m not alone and what Jesus Christ endured for me. Although, deep inside, I know He is with me; however, I do feel as you mentioned…it is not a big enough situation to bother God with; I need to be reminded that He already knows the situation and He will be supplying whatever is needed when it is necessasry. Thank you and may God continue to bless you with the words we need to hear as well as think about.
Regina, I’m so glad you are enjoying the blog. I always pray that the Sunday posts are received by the person who needs them the most.
Wonderful words, thank you!
Tania
You have a gift with words. Your Sunday blog is always one of the best. Glad your brother is improving. Our daughter is having surgery on Wednesday..praying all goes well. Bless you in your work. Mary
Mary, I’m saying a prayer now for your daughter and the surgical team.
Tania, Aren’t we so very blessed to always have Jesus to turn too, no matter what we are dealing with? Have a blessed day.
Honest and helpful!
This may be my favorite Sunday post you’ve done! Thank you for the encouragement you share! I pray you are blessed as you are a blessing to so many!
As I am dealing with a health issue thank you for this reminder.
Beautiful message today
Happy Sunday! Thank you…..this blessed my heart! God’s Word never returns void…it is my in my heart from your devotion!❤️
Thank you for this beautiful prayer and reminder we all have issues. I needed this so much today . Thank you for sharing with us.
Beautiful message today ❤️ Thank you for all you do every day, but especially Sundays 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Amen!
Beautiful message and prayer, Tania. 🥰 Thank you!
Giving thanks for answered prayers for your brother and all of your family. I needed this reminder today that we don’t walk alone.🙏🏻
Thank you for these Beautiful words and Prayers!
I have been struggling quite alot lately with health issues!
Your words have given me strength today and I know God is with me!
Thank you
Carol
Carol, health issues cause a huge amount of stress. I know God is with you, lean into Him with all your strength.
I needed this Word today, Death of a marriage and divorce is bringing pressure. I trust that God will make something beautiful out of this and show me His good plan for the next steps. I’m so grateful that prayers for your brother were answered. Have a wonderful week.
Jennifer, I am so sorry. Divorce is heartbreaking for everyone involved, but God knows what happens next. In five years, you might look back and understand the why behind it all.
Love your Sunday devotionals. They give me peace and remind me to trust in the lord of our God. thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoy these posts.
Your honesty is refreshing… admitting that sometimes the outcomes are not always what we hoped for, and that it does indeed hurt. We don’t have to put on a fake grin and pretend all is ok. You point us to the Lord, reminding us that we can always rest in Him. Glad to hear your brother’s surgery went well. Blessings to you and your family.
Carolyn, unfortunately, the outcome we want isn’t always what we want. We all struggle with that, but have to submit to His ways, not ours.
Thank you❤️
Under pressure recently with a family problem that’s been on again/off again for 9 years. Came back with a vengeance this week and I was blindsided. Eventually sought Him. But this is a comforting reminder…
Sharon, I am so sorry. There is nothing worse that family issues. These are people we love, and having conflict with them is heartbreaking.
Amen! I’m glad your brother is on a good path. Isn’t this the hardest thing? To bring our problems to the Lord first? It is for me. It’s so funny because when I finally do go to the Lord, it seems like He had my answer all along! Praise Him!
I would love it if I would remember to go to the Lord first, but that’s not what usually happens.
Good words, thank you!
I would still like to know where to order the tan, leather basket weave
handbag.
Diane, here is that link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-18553756
Amen
What a blessing your message was to me! Thank you and God bless you for sharing.
Thank you for the reminder. Its just what I needed today.
Beautiful prayer! Hope this next week goes more smoothly for your family.
I’m thankful that I found your blog. Not just for the fashion but more importantly for these uplifting messages and prayers. God bless
I’m glad you are enjoying the blog.
FABULOUS post. Thanks for sharing. Great reminder. Prayers for your brother.
Sheila
Philippians 4:6-7 what a great reminder! Love what you said whether it’s lost keys or lost hope…he cares.❤
What a great reminder of God’s constant presence in our lives. Your prayers are always beautiful. So glad your brother’s surgery went well well.
Thank you! Well stated and very apropos. God bless your day!
Giving all Praise to our Heavenly Father. So glad to hear ur bros surgery was successful. Praying this surgery will prevent any further health issues.
Amen and Thank you🥰
Amen, and thank you.
Love today’s post❤️ I’m so glad to hear your brother is doing better! Have a beautiful Sunday.
Tania .. thank you & God bless you. I needed this message & reminder more than mere words can express. 💕🙏
Good Sunday Morning Tania!
I’m praying for you and your family and that your brother fully recovers.
As my grandmother was infamous for saying saying the Lord works in mysterious ways. His ways are not like ours. Interesting enough, just yesterday, I had asked my husband isn’t there a song, today I am but a hunk of coal, but one day I will shine like a diamond and this morning I open your blog and there it is, coal and a diamond! You see I have been battling a health crisis for 8 months, and I feel like a lump of coal! God works in mysterious ways and his love is never ending and enduring. May his light, love, and blessings shine on you and your family! Thank you for all that you do to encourage women and myself! I love all your posts but especially those on skin care and makeup. I’m learning that if I look a little better, I may feel a little better!
Carolyn, I’m sorry you’ve been battling a health issue for so long. Pressure and stress seem to go hand in hand, and releasing it doesn’t come easy. Give it all over to the Lord, and let Him carry the load.
What a lovely reminder of God’s great love for us. I’m so thankful I found your post. You feel like a sister in Christ. I love all your helpful ideas. The clothes, purses.shoes, and the makeup tips. Thank you, Cindy
Beautiful message today, Tania. 😊🙏
You are not alone! Amen!
🙂 Abba Father! Don’t you just love that!?
Tania, thank you so much for the beautiful, heartfelt prayers you post. I am so glad to hear your brother had a successful surgery.
Thank you also for your posts and your positive energy!
Thank you for sharing another ‘diamond ‘ this morning.
Have a blessed Memorial Day weekend.
What a beautiful prayer and reminder to us all! Thank you!🙏
Wonderful message and thank you for the beautiful prayer, my friend. Prayers were answered for your brother, thank you, Jesus!
Thank you! This message was exactly what I needed.