Recently, I’ve been dealing with pain in my neck and shoulders — tightness, inflammation, and constant discomfort. After visiting doctors and a chiropractor, I finally decided to schedule a deep tissue massage.
I knew it wouldn’t be for pleasure — but for healing. And healing often comes through pressure.
The Pressure Points of Pain
During the massage, the therapist found several knots in my neck and shoulders. When pressure was applied, sharp pain shot through my back and down my arm. The deeper the pressure went, the more uncomfortable it became.
But that pressure revealed what was hidden beneath the surface — tension, stress, and strain that I had ignored for too long. In order for healing to come, pressure had to be applied to the pain points.
For days after the massage, my body was sore and achy. There was a lingering residue from where the knots had been worked on. But as time passed, the swelling went down, the knots began to soften, and the pain started to fade.
All because I had allowed the pressure to do its work.
Healing Comes Through the Pressing
God began to show me a spiritual parallel.
Just like my body was revealing pain and stress, sometimes our souls — our mind, will, and emotions — are carrying hidden knots of pressure, hurt, or disappointment.
We are three-part beings — spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23) — and all three are connected. When one part suffers, the others feel it too.
Ignoring pain, whether physical or emotional, doesn’t make it go away. It just buries it deeper until it eventually demands attention.
But here’s the truth: healing only comes when we let God apply His pressure to the places that hurt.
When He presses, it’s never to harm — it’s to heal.
Pressed, but Never Alone
“Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
You were never meant to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
Jesus carried your pain on His body, so you wouldn’t have to bear it alone.
“Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering…”
— Isaiah 53:4 (NIV)
He knows exactly where the pain points are — the hidden knots of worry, grief, shame, and fear. And when you allow the gentle, yet powerful, hands of the Lord to press on those places, healing begins to flow.
It might be uncomfortable at first. You may even feel sore for a season. But that’s part of the process. What’s been buried is coming to the surface so that God can heal it completely.
Lessons from the Pressing
Here are a few truths I learned through this experience:
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Don’t ignore the pain points.
Whether in your body or your soul, ignoring pain doesn’t make it disappear. It often makes it worse. Healing starts when we bring our pain into the light. -
Let God into the deep places.
Just as the massage therapist had to press deeply to reach the knots, God often touches the deepest, most sensitive areas of our hearts to bring real healing. -
Healing takes time.
After the pressure comes soreness — but it’s a sign that something is changing. Be patient with the process. -
You are not meant to carry it all.
Jesus said,“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)Let Him take what you’ve been holding onto. His hands are gentle, His heart is kind, and His purpose is your freedom.
Pressed for Purpose
Maybe you’re in a season where life feels heavy. Maybe the pressures of family, work, or the world around you are weighing on your shoulders.
Remember this: God never wastes pressure.
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (NIV)
When you surrender your pain, your stress, and your fears to Him, He begins to work them together for your good. The pressure you’re feeling today may be the very thing that’s preparing you for tomorrow’s purpose.
Reflection
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What “knots” — emotional, spiritual, or physical — might God be asking to touch and heal in your life?
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Are you resisting His pressure, or are you allowing Him to bring healing through it?
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How can you practice surrender this week and let Him carry your burdens?
A Prayer for Healing Through the Pressing
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing me that pressure is part of Your healing process.
I give You every area of pain, tension, and burden that I’ve been carrying.
Press gently but deeply, Lord, until every knot of fear and stress is released.
Thank You for being my Healer, my Comforter, and my Strength.
I trust You with the process, knowing You are working all things for my good.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.