How To Handle Pressure

October 11th, 2025
by Jeff Cramer

Finding Peace When Life Feels Like Too Much

Pressure has a way of finding us. Whether it’s the cultural chaos we see splashed across the headlines, or the private battles that weigh heavy on our hearts, every one of us knows what it’s like to feel stretched thin. And after the recent tragedies that have shaken our nation, many are wondering: How do I keep going under so much weight?
The Apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison cell, gives us God’s answer:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, NKJV)

These aren’t just nice words to frame on a wall. They’re survival instructions for believers walking through pressure.

1. Transfer the stress

Paul doesn’t say ignore your worry—he says transfer it. “Cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). When we keep the burden on our shoulders, our minds get twisted up and our emotions wear thin. But when we hand it to Jesus, He carries the load.

"When we keep the burden on our shoulders, our minds get twisted up and our emotions wear thin"

2. Pray with Passion, Not Complaints

Paul lists out a sequence: prayer, supplication, thanksgiving, and requests. Prayer is simply approaching our heavenly Father. Supplication means pouring out passionate, urgent prayer when the need feels crushing. Thanksgiving turns our focus from complaining to gratitude, keeping our hearts open to God’s goodness.

"Thanksgiving turns our focus from complaining to gratitude"

3. Resist the Urge to Grumble

It’s natural to complain when life gets hard. But the Bible warns us: “Do not grumble, as some of them did—and were destroyed by the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10). Complaining blinds us to God’s provision. Gratitude, on the other hand, reopens our eyes to His faithfulness

"Gratitude reopens our eyes to His Faithfulness"

4. Remain Committed in Faith

In Isaiah’s day, King Ahaz trembled at the threats of his enemies. God’s word to him was clear:

“Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm” (Isaiah 7:9).

Passive faith says, “God could act if He really wanted to.” Active faith says, “God will act, because He keeps His promises.”

That’s the kind of faith Sarah displayed when she believed God would give her a child even in her old age (Hebrews 11:11). Pressure pushes us to choose—will we cave to fear, or stand on God’s promises?

"Pressure pushes us to choose - will we cave to fear, or stand on God's promises?"

5. Gain Perspective

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

The Hebrew word for “know” is yada—not just head knowledge, but relational knowledge built on experience. Looking back on God’s faithfulness in your past strengthens your confidence for today.

Perspective turns panic into peace. It reminds us: God has been faithful before, He is faithful now, and He will be faithful again.

"Perspective turns panic into peace."

Closing Thought

Life under pressure can either crush us or press us deeper into Christ. The difference isn’t in our circumstances—it’s in where we place our faith.
The same God who carried Paul in prison and sustained the early church is the One who promises to carry you. Pressure may be real, but so is His peace.