Dealing with the pressures Americans face most
Followers of Jesus have long been encouraged that we do not mourn like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Unimaginable comfort has been given in times of mourning from this simple assurance: because of Jesus there is eternal life and the hope of a future reunion.
It seems, though, we do not always think of that simple assurance of His presence when facing daily trials. If the hope of peace comes only when traversing the valley of the shadow of death, our journey will be long and difficult.
Thankfully, through Christ we are promised peace in the journey. Jesus, for instance, promised a peace like no other. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not like the world gives.” The peace Jesus offers is not merely the absence of conflict or war. It is God’s all invasive presence bringing a peace that passes our ability to comprehend it.
The Apostle Paul tied peace to the absence of worry. “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 HCSB).
It is this peace and assurance of which we can testify to those who do not know it. We live in a world racked with pressures. From our ongoing economic hardships to family squabbles to aging, each day seems to bring its own unique set of challenges.
LifeWay Research and Bible Studies for Life found a large number of “significant sources of pressure” for people across America. Experiencing bias or prejudice, thinking about life after death, and confronting temptation are sources of pressure for at least 10% of Americans. More than 20% of people cite facing criticism, spending beyond their means, and relating to family and friends. Lacking money for basic needs and dealing with conflict each bring significant pressure for more than one-third of Americans surveyed. Less than one-fifth of respondents indicated “none of these.”
On a practical level this means almost everyone we know faces significant pressure in some area or another. We know these are significant enough to lead to marital breakup, depression, and even suicide.
As followers of Christ it is both our duty and our joy to bring the Gospel of peace to people who are crumbling under the weight of life. What better way to do this than bring them to a small group of people who are learning how to apply the Bible to life?
As General Editor of Bible Studies for Life, I was fortunate to be a part of the advisory council of church leaders that framed this new curriculum. We explored how this Bible study could provide for the spiritual needs of today’s men, women, boys and girls – including how to face the inevitable pressures that arise throughout life.
When we apply the Bible to our lives, through a source like Bible Studies for Life, what results is the Holy Spirit changing our attitudes and behaviors. Think now about who you can ask then make contact.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church Northwest Arkansas General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
3 Things I Practice In My Time With God Daily
I always begin my day with God. For at least three decades, this has been my commitment and practice. Nothing has had any greater influence on my life, family, church, and ministry than the priority of beginning my day with God.
Since we can all learn from one another on how to make this time with God effective and meaningful, let me share with you my practice. I promise that if you and I were sitting across from one another in a Starbuck’s and you were sharing with me how you personally spend time with God, I would grow from hearing you.
Three Practices in my Daily Time With God
#1: A Prayer List: I have used all kinds of plans for meaningful prayer; however, none of them are any more effective than developing and maintaining a prayer list. I wrote about this in detail in a previous blog, challenging people to use their iPad to develop a prayer list.
I have found in my life and walk with God that if you do not have a plan to pray, you will not pray effectively. Do not imagine your plan as a law that binds you, but rather as a guide that frees you. Additionally, an organized prayer list can change daily. It is so helpful for all of us because it keeps us on task, but willing to flow in the power of the Holy Spirit as He directs us daily and uniquely.
Prayer needs to be your first choice, not your last. When we face a crisis or challenge of some kind, make prayer your first choice. Better yet, always make prayer your first choice daily.
The more I grow in Christ, the more I see that one of my greatest contributions can be to intercede for others. A prayer list helps you to direct your prayers toward others rather than always being on yourself. Yes, daily pray for your own life is important; but also, pray for others.
#2: Read the Bible Through Annually: Since 1990, I have read through the Bible annually. Nothing has affected me personally any more than reading through the Word of God annually. God always has me in the right place at the right time to speak to me through His Word. The Bible is God’s greatest means of communication with you.
The Bible will influence your prayer life greatly. Why? It is simple. What God says to you is more important than what you say to God. When you daily saturate your life in God’s Word, it alters everything about your life. There are days when life and leadership gets tough. I am thankful God has me in His Word, giving me “life words” that I can cling to like a desperate man drowning.
#3: Write a 1-page Prayer to God Daily: Since January 1990, I have concluded my time of praying and reading God’s Word by writing a 1-page prayer to God.
I have discovered that my soul is nourished when I write this daily prayer. It is often my note of transfer to God. It is the official transfer of my greatest burdens to God. There is a mysterious release that occurs within me. It also becomes a record for me to review periodically, which reminds me of some things God has said to me, and also what I have said to God.
Journaling has great value; do not minimize it. Men, journaling is not just a “woman thing.” Many men have a spiritual journal in their life, especially like what I am referring to.
If you do not have a daily time with God, I have presented you with one way to do it. If you do have a time with God daily, then perhaps this has encouraged you in some way. Until later…
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.