Day 141 Pressed, But Not Crushed

“Pressed, But Not Crushed”

by Torrie Slaughter

Psalm 118:1–18

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:1

There’s a rhythm to Psalm 118 that pulls you in—it’s a song of gratitude, a cry for help, and a victory chant all wrapped into one. And maybe, just maybe, it sounds like your story.

Because life has a way of pressing us. But today’s message? You might be pressed—but you’re not crushed. Not with God on your side.

🙌 Give Thanks to the Lord (Verses 1–4)

We start with the heartbeat of the psalm:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
That word “endures” matters. God’s love isn’t seasonal. It doesn’t expire when things get hard or when we mess up. It wraps around every person—Israel, the house of Aaron, those who fear Him—and calls us all to thanksgiving.

This is a love that outlasts loss, fear, and disappointment.

🕊 When You’re Hard Pressed (Verses 5–9)

“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; He brought me into a spacious place.”
That imagery is so real. Have you ever felt squeezed by life? Trapped by circumstances?
God doesn’t just rescue—He expands your soul. That “spacious place” may not be a new location, but a new mindset. A place of peace inside the storm.

David in 1 Samuel faced real pressure—Saul was still hunting him. And yet, he refused to return evil for evil. Why? Because he had been in that spacious place with God. He knew where his defense came from.

🎶 Songs of Joy and Victory (Verses 10–14)

“All the nations surrounded me… but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.”
Whether those “nations” are fear, anxiety, deadlines, or disappointment—they might surround you, but they can’t defeat you. The name of the Lord is your weapon and your shield.

Let that sink in: You’re not fighting alone.

✋ The Lord’s Right Hand (Verses 15–18)

“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
This section lifts us even higher. God’s hand is not idle—it’s active, strong, victorious. Even His discipline is wrapped in love. He corrects not to harm us, but to mature us.

When we look back over our lives, we don’t just see what happened—we begin to see who held us through it all.

📖 Reflection Question:

Where in your life are you feeling pressed today—and how might God be leading you into a spacious place of trust and peace?

🙏 Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love endures forever. When we are pressed, You bring us to peace. When we are surrounded, You lift us with Your right hand. Help us to live with bold faith, to give thanks daily, and to proclaim songs of joy and victory over every challenge. Amen.