Recently the temperature in Atlanta was 110 degrees. We set records on multiple days.  When it gets that hot it changes people’s behavior and mindset.  Things begin to happen like: tempers flaring, people having heat strokes, equipment overheating, and electricity overloading, to name a few.

How about when the heat or pressure is on in your life? What happens then? How do you handle it? What is going on?  Many are under severe pressure mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, or all four. Some things that cause stress are: major life changes, financial problems, work, relationships, children and family, or a busy schedule.

My mom and grandmother used to take vegetables out of a garden and put them in a pressure cooker to seal them in jars.  That pressure cooker was a serious piece of equipment.  A number of jars would be placed in it.  The heat was turned up and over a period of time it would seal the jars inside.  When the pressure became more than the cooker was supposed to handle, a little valve on top would open up and whistle loudly.  While it might scare you, it was actually releasing pressure from the inside so the thing would not blow up.

When the pressure is on in your life, you need to recognize it so you can keep it from blowing up on you. It affects you and those around you.

Pressure (H.E.A.T) will affect you’re:

H-       HEALTH       – I am not a medical doctor but we have all experienced what stress can do to you physically.  It produces high blood pressure, headaches, sleeplessness, and ulcers, to name a few.  You reduce these things when you learn how to “release” the pressure.  You might not be able to change the circumstances, but you can keep them from changing you.  Prayer, exercise, reading, hobbies, and time away are just some of the things that will help you.

E-       EGO   – I realize that too much ego can be a bad thing, but I might add that no ego is a really bad thing.  By ego I am referring to your feelings of self-worth and a proper amount of pride.  When the pressure becomes overwhelming you tend to blame yourself and feel that the problem is all you.  If it is, correct it.  If it is not, you need to get a proper perspective.  You are somebody.  You are a creation of God. You have a lot to offer and you should not hide it any longer.  Hold your head high and walk humbly.

A-     ATTITUDE     – When the heat is on, it always affects your attitude.  You become cynical, critical, combative, defensive, or depressed.  You don’t know why you are mad all the time.  Emotionally, it may bring you to tears. Since your emotions are so raw, the smallest things agitate you.  You don’t know why, and you don’t how to stop it.  You feel that your life is spiraling out of control.  This is when you need to seek counseling, coaching, or someone who will hold you accountable.

T-       TRUST         – You feel that the world is to blame and everyone is out to get you.  You can’t trust anyone, even those closest to you. You think you are the only one with problems. NEWS FLASH: everyone has problems and the world does not revolve around you. Everyone has pressure.  Yours may be different, but it is yours to endure or enjoy. If you are going to “go” through it, why not “grow” through it?

When the heat is on, look for a release valve. What are your thoughts?