How to live under Pressure

 Read James 5.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle James wrote to Jewish believers who had to leave Jerusalem due to persecution.  They scattered throughout the Roman Empire only to discover that the government also persecuted Christians.

From the opening verses in chapter one, James encouraged these suffering believers to be steadfast during the trials of their faith.  Here in chapter five, he returned to that theme.  I borrowed the outline below (not the content) from the writings of J. Ronald Blue, professor at Dallas Theological Seminary.  It was just too good and simple not to use.

1. The Essence of Patience.
Repeatedly, in this paragraph, patience is urged.  It is a different Greek word but essentially the same message of James 1:3.  We are to be faithful and steadfast during the trials of our faith, so that we build up our endurance.  All trials and times of suffering are temporal.  Waiting for relief from the stress, pressures and pain that come in every person's life is difficult and may seem that if will never end.

The hope that is expressed by James is the imminent return of Christ.  Our hope is not in this life.  If it is, disappointment, disillusionment, and depression will be our lot.  A follower of Jesus understands that we are only here for a few years at best.  Our goal is to be good managers of these days and use every opportunity for God's glory.  When we see Jesus, either by death or rapture, it will be worth it all.  

2. The Examples of Patience. 
Everyone waits.  But when we are experiencing tough times, we may feel like we are the only ones.  James provided some practical and Biblical examples of those who depend on God while they wait.
-The farmer (v.7) prepares the soil, plants the seed, and tends the field, working hard as if the crop depends solely on him.  All the while, the farmer is dependent also on weather conditions beyond his control.  He works and then waits to see what God will do.  The harvest is worth the endurance.
-The prophets (v.10) faithfully preached what God gave them to say.  Yet, they were often abused, rejected, and some were killed.  Hebrews 11 states, "...so they might rise again to a better life."
-Job (v.11) was the most upright man Satan could find.  Overarching were all of the hardships he suffered.  Yet, Job endured declaring, "the LORD is compassionate and merciful."  God gave him a double reward in the end.

3. The Evidence of Patience.
Our behavior during trials proves the validity of our faith.  This is not referring to "grit your teeth," "grin and bear it," "tough it out," and "suck it up."  No, this is the "calm and cheerful delight" that comes from the Holy Spirit ministering to us while we trust God for the outcome.  "The Judge is standing at the door." (v.9)  In other words, not only is the return of Christ imminent but He is listening to every word.  Therefore, we are not to grumble against others, nor are we to swear.  James previously lectured on bridling our tongues.  We can make matters worse by not watching our words.  Keep the communication simple.

Are you suffering?  Pray.
Are you cheerful?  Sing.
Are you sick?  Ask others to pray for you.