11th Feb - Feeling the Pressure? Here’s How to Find Alignment and Peace Again

Dayle Kinney
5 minutes ago
4 min read

I spoke at a women’s business lunch yesterday about alignment and wisdom.

It's was timely, because February has a way of doing something to us.

January often feels full of freshess, rest and clarity....But February? The noise can start to creep back in.

Comparisons an start to drain and stress us, Momentum and motivation dips, and pressure starts to build.

And we start asking ourselves: Am I doing enough? Am I enough? Should I be moving faster, doing more? Being more?

But the thought I shared yesterday was this:

Alignment in Jesus' way of thinking and doing doesn’t come from hustle, rushing or stress and control. It comes from following.

Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd.

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” - John 10:27 (NLT)

In ancient times a shepherd cared for their sheep. The sheep therefore didn’t stress about the map or where they were going. They didn’t sprint ahead. They stayed close to the shepherd as he led the way.

They listened.

And they followed.

And that is what is at the centre of alignmen

Rest - Not Hustle

We live in a society that glorifies busy. Think about it. You see someone and ask how they are going and they reply "I'm so busy. And it's like it's a good thing because to hustle and rush more is seen as a badge of honour and a pathway to success.

But God doesn’t glorify or esteem that way of doing things. He says

“Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Stillness feels unproductive. But sometimes stillness is the most strategic thing you can do.

Rest clears the noise and reminds you that you not alone and He will lead if you allow him to. Rest is trust.

Seek - Not Rush

When we feel uncertain, we rush decisions just to relieve the tension.

But urgency is not the same as wisdom.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Seeking shifts the posture and direction of our heart.

Instead of: How do I fix this?

It becomes:Lord, what are You saying?

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV)

He directs and guides us so that we don't have tofigure it all out for ourselves.

Seeking is quieter than striving. But it’s stronger, wiser and brings peace.

Surrender Not Control

This one is the hardest for me, espeially being a wife and mum of six kids and wanting everyone to be okay :)

Why? Because control feels responsible. It feels strong and it's got far less chance of being messy.

But surrender? Surrender feels vulnerable and full of what if's. Like, have you seen the world out there!!

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” -Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

But surrender is not giving up or negating responsiblilty. It’s giving over and releasing all those situations and outcomes you cannot control to one who is capable and cares infinitely.

God’s plans are bigger than what you can see and He holds everything in his hands. The more you look at him rather than your circumstances and concerns, the easier it is to surrender and trust.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” - Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)

God rarely hands us the whole blueprint, with every single detail. He gives us a big picture and then....

He gives us the next step.

And that step is found far more easily when we rest, seek Him and surrender.

Action Steps For This Week:

Schedule stillness and rest: Even 10 minutes each morning and evening without your phone and other distractions. Sit. Breathe, and invite Jesus.
Pause before decisions. Ask: Is this wisdom - or pressure? Am I getting caught in the hustle, rushing about and trying to control everything?
Write down what feels peaceful. God’s direction often comes with quiet steadiness and rest, not panic. and stress.
Release one outcome or situation to Jesus. Name it. Pray it. Let it go.

Key Verses to Meditate On

Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know…
Proverbs 3:5–6 - He shall direct your paths.
Psalm 37:5 - Commit your way to the Lord…
Ephesians 3:20 amp - God will do immeasurably more.

Let these settle in your heart this week. I encourage you not to rush past them. Sit with them and allow them to abide in your heart and thoughts. John 15:7 NKJV

And remember - Alignment isn’t about controlling the path or doing more.

It’s about trusting the Good Shepherd who already sees it all

He is steady; He is peace and He will lead and guide you.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that alignment does not depend only on my effort but alos on Your leading and ability. When I'm tempted to hustle, teach me to rest. When I feel pressure and start to rush, remind me to seek you. When I try to control everything, teach me to surrender and trust.

Please direct my paths and guard my peace today so that I can choose wisdom over urgency and trust You with the steps ahead. In Jesus' name Amen.