Titus 3:8 – This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (NIV)

I still have my Presto pressure cooker sitting on a shelf in the basement, unused for many years.

The pressure cooker works by taking very little water and creating steam under pressure, and so reducing the cooking time.

There is a rubber plug in the lid. In case the pressure became too excessive, it would release and let the steam escape.

Let us think of all the pressures and stress many face as they go off to college, university, or a new job, perhaps in a new city or a new country. Even those going off to kindergarten for the first time suffer a certain amount of pressure.

But not all pressure is harmful or, for that matter, stressful, as long as it is under control. Take for example my pressure cooker or a steam-generating plant that produces electricity.

As I examined the cooker, it brought to mind the pressures we are under at times. Oh, how we would love to have a release valve to let steam off!

Well, we do have a way, without blowing up, to let steam off when under pressure. Do we understand what that pressure release valve is?

1 Timothy 2:8 – I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. (NIV)

Prayer: Our Father God, release us from the pressures that sometimes bring us to anger. Help us to seek a way that we may break the bond of anger and leash it, for there is no good use for it. Enable us, by putting our trust in You, to be careful and to devote ourselves to doing what is good and well pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Anne Russell anbrussell@rogers.com

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca