Do Not Forget, Christ.

That pressure that you feel. It's never really from that person, or that event, or that added responsibility. It's not even from yourself. It never really is.

No. Because when you feel pressure, you are only feeling a heaviness. And when you feel that weight, it's only ever because you are stepping out of grace. And out of Christ.

And that's when the pressures come.

Yes, your stepping out of Christ leaves you wide open to the Enemy's aim. Where he can inflict death on you. So he does. By adding weight, by adding pressures, to your life. Yes, the Enemy, who comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy, he attacks with pressures, any time he can. It is always from him.

So those external pressures you feel, they really only mascarade the one true pressure you are feeling on the inside: the pressure to measure up, to be of value, to be accepted, to be loved.

When Christ came to provide all that for you.

It's true.

For the LORD never asks of you what is not yours to give. Your acceptance. Your value. Your worth. No. He only ever asks one thing of you. Only ever one thing. Your right to yourself. That's it.

So in the face of the pressure, when you ask yourself, "What must I do?" When those external pressures overwhelm and they feel like too much, for you. There is only one thing you can do - let go of your rights. Do not forget, Christ.

Because when you hold on, too tightly, to your right to yourself, you are only looking for life outside of Christ. And in doing so, you are only fighting against flesh and blood. So as to somehow conquer the battle, to somehow win the victory. In the flesh. On your own. And you forget Christ. But the battle goes so much deeper, and was never yours to fight anyways. The battle belongs to the LORD! Always!

So, you. Do not step out of Life when those pressures come. Do not dwell in death, so as to remain there and stay where you are. No. Do not hold onto your rights. Do not forget. The Truth. The Way. The Life. Do not forget Jesus, the very One Who came for you! Who died for you, so you could come to Him! Unblemished. Loved. Pure and holy. And righteous. Acceptable. Worthy. Of great value to Him. Do not forget, Christ. Where there is never any pressure. Only life.

Yes, do not forget Him.

And what He has made you to be. So that you can live your life, without pressure, and with the freedom to be. Where Christ has the rights to your life, and Christ's Life is alive and well, within you.

It's when you know you are free indeed!

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"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." - Colossians 3:3-4