Devotionals for the Heart: How resting in God's creations calmed my soul

Resting in God’s Creations
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.”—Psalm 145:5 (NIV)

The morning began with the usual activities: Praying and sharing time with God, having a delicious breakfast of toast and chocolate milk, taking daily medicine, enjoying a refreshing shower, choosing an outfit for the day, and checking the calendar for any appointments. As I walked from room to room in the house, I looked out of the windows and watched the birds. Although there were many tasks for the day, I knew peace would come by resting in God’s creations.

The calendar was filled with medical appointments for my husband and for me. When I look at our daily schedule, I’m shocked if there aren’t any doctor visits listed. Shocked and thankful. This morning, the calendar showed medical procedures and follow-up appointments for Alan and me. Dread filled my body and my thoughts. “Why, Lord? Why aren’t our bodies healed? Why?” The questions kept coming as I spoke out loud to God.

Once again, God led me to look outside at His creations. The sunlight cast a beautiful reflection through the window. As the light touched the carpet, I walked from the window to the front door. Shadows covered areas of the hallway where the sun hadn’t reached. I smiled and reached for the door handle. As I stepped outside, the worries of medical appointments and achy bodies left my mind. I paused, took a deep breath in, then released it. My shoulders relaxed. My breathing slowed. The sun touched my face, and the warmth of God’s rest covered me.

I prayed and thanked God for the ability to rest in His creations. A ruby-throated hummingbird visited the feeder. A monarch butterfly danced around the petunias. A family of chickadees called out to each other from different trees. Red cardinals sat on the tray feeder eating breakfast.

These glorious creations were busy with their morning routines. Even the hummingbirds took time to sit on the feeder and drink the nectar. I noticed how none of these animals were in a hurry or looking rushed. Sitting on a porch chair, I listened to the sounds of God’s creations. I heard various bird calls, families taking morning walks together and sharing conversations, neighbors saying hello as they passed by our home and I felt the quiet of the morning. As I prayed, I listened for God’s guidance for the day. He answered. God showed me that although I have worries and trials, I’m never alone. I can find rest in His creations. God created these beautiful sights and sounds that brought me peace that morning.

My parents liked to sit on the porch and watch the happenings in their neighborhood. As a young girl, I wondered why they always enjoyed being outside. Now, I know. My Mama and Daddy were resting in God’s creations.

Today and every day, peace and comfort can be found with God. Praying, giving thanksgiving for His many blessings, and asking for His rest to cover us can bring calm and joy. Have you rested with God today?

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for Your creations. May we always make time to enjoy the many blessings You provide. Teach us to rest in your creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “In the Garden” by Joey and Rory. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God of All My Days” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Plans” by Brandon Lake. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Barlow Girl. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “The Maker” by Chris August. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “How Can You Not” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. 

With articles, devotions, and stories in print publications and online, Melissa shares her love for God and life. Some of the inspirations for her writing come from family life.

Melissa and her husband Alan have been married for over 46 years. Their son Mike, and daughter-in-love Christine have blessed the family with two precious children: Rowan and Eden. These precious souls bring laughter, love, and many funny experiences, which can often be found in Melissa’s writing. The family motto is: It’s Always a Story with the Hendersons.

Melissa is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), CWFL (Christian Writers for Life), and many other organizations.

Melissa’s books for children include Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator.

Melissa serves in Christian ministry as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.

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Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://melissaghenderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaHendersonAuthor
Twitter: https://x.com/mimionlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahendersonauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ahenderson312/

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ invites you to rest when you feel weary

Rest for the Weary
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

As another school year ends for both my children and me, I find myself feeling heavier instead of lighter. The nights seem shorter, the mornings come quicker, and somehow, we have already made it to June. I know this feeling all too well. It is the feeling of being weary—not simply sleepy or overwhelmed but exhausted from carrying too many responsibilities at once.

For so long, my solution was simple: keep going. Push through. Finish the next task. But eventually I learned something important—sometimes the holiest thing you can do is sit down and rest. What does rest look like for you? For me, rest can look like stretching out on the bed, putting the events of the day behind me, and reading an enjoyable book. But true rest is deeper than simply stopping your body. True rest begins when your spirit learns to let go.

I was born a Martha. I am incredibly good at getting things done, but rarely did I just sit still. Even while watching television, I felt the need to fold laundry, cook dinner, iron clothes, or clean something around the house. Sitting still with nothing to do felt unnatural to me. Rest was not a concept I was taught. I used to believe everything on my to-do list had to be completed before I could end my night, and somehow it all had to be done perfectly. That mindset left me exhausted. My nights stretched long after everyone else had gone to bed, only for me to wake up before everyone else the next morning and begin again.

Eventually, my body started responding to the exhaustion. I dealt with headaches, knee pain, and restless nights. I would fall into bed tired yet still toss and turn because my mind refused to rest. That is when I realized there is a difference between sleep and true rest. Sleep may restore the body, but only God can restore a weary spirit.

Slowly, I began shutting down my mind and body before bed. Instead of lying awake replaying problems and responsibilities, I started thanking God for the day I was leaving and the day I was entering. Little by little, I realized that physical rest often begins with spiritual rest.

There was a time when waking up in the middle of the night meant starting another task such as putting clothes in the washer or making a grocery list. Now when I wake up, I pray. At one point, I kept waking up at the same time every morning until I finally said, “Speak, God, your servant is listening.” In those quiet moments, God taught me that rest is not simply inactivity. It is learning to be still enough to hear His voice.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV) tells us, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.” So often we cannot rest because we are carrying burdens God never asked us to hold alone. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God giving His people rest before continuing their assignments. God gave Elijah rest before sending him to Mount Sinai. Jacob rested before dreaming of a ladder reaching to Heaven. Even Jesus Christ stepped away from the crowds to spend quiet time with God. In the same way, we need moments where we step away from the noise and demands of life so God can refresh our spirit.

As women, many of us were raised believing rest must be earned. Even now, many women struggle to truly relax without multitasking. We continue moving even while calling it rest. But constantly doing is not the same as being restored. When we choose to rely on God more than ourselves, we begin to experience true rest, and rest brings clarity. Some responsibilities we once thought were necessary are revealed to be things we can release altogether.

Perhaps that is where some of us are right now—not lazy, not failing, just weary. And maybe God, in His love, is reminding us that we were never meant to carry everything alone. Surrender to God and learn to rest well in this season because the strength you conserve now is what you will need in the next season.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a place of rest for the weary. Teach us to release every burden, worry, and responsibility into Your hands. Quiet our anxious minds and help us trust You with the things we cannot control. Restore our spirits, renew our strength, and remind us that true rest is found in You. Help us to slow down, hear Your voice, and walk in peace instead of pressure.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Breathe” by Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore, Jonathan McReynolds & DOE). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Rest” by Maranatha! Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” by Kari Jobe Carnes. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 

With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta, Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

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Connect with Erica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsgrace2931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsgrace2931/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to rely on and rest in God's love for you

Resting in God’s Love
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.”

—1 John 4:16 (NIV)

“Let’s just go home,” I gulped to my husband as I looked at the line of people at the driving test center. My already fragile courage started to give way at the thought of a long wait and the potential for grumpy, overwhelmed employees. “We can come back another day.”

I had come to the center to do the paperwork for my Korean driver’s license. I hate doing paperwork in my own country, the United Kingdom, so I was even more anxious about administration in a language I only partly understood.

What if I missed something important? What if I didn’t understand and someone got snappy with me? What if I filled out something wrong and they refused to give my license? Thankfully, I could rely on my Korean husband to help me. With his help to translate, I completed all the paperwork without incident. My dire imaginings, which had loomed large in my mind, did not materialize.

In the same way I rely on my husband’s love to get me through the anxiety of administration in a foreign country, I can rely on the love of God to guide me through life’s other anxieties. My worries can be loud. It can be so easy to fixate on the problem, even in my prayers. I may be directing my words to God, but my mind is whirling, trying to figure out its own solutions and guess the ways God might help me, based on what I can see.

What if, instead of focusing on my problems, I turned my gaze towards God more often? The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV), “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” (Italics supplied.) I can leave my cares with God more easily when I remind myself of His character, choosing to focus on His love in my prayers.

Instead of reminding God constantly about my need, I remind myself of His goodness by saying, “Lord, I know that You love me. I know that Your ways are higher than mine, and that You are creative beyond my imagination. You are faithful. You see me. You promised to provide for me. Because of this, I choose to trust You with my problem.”

This is not a “one and done” deal. I often have to repeat this process daily of moving my thoughts from my problems to God’s character. But this intentional shift in focus does help me to rest in His love for me. The Bible says in Psalm 131:2-3 (NIV), “I have calmed and quieted myself. I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.” A child can quiet themselves because they are securely attached to their parent, because they trust in their parent’s love. They know, from experience, that their parent will respond to them.

When I am fretful, I remember when Father God responded to me and met my needs. Most of all, I remember when He proved His love in the most significant way He could: through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Bible explains in Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) why we can trust God and have complete confidence in His love for us: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I can rest in this love. I didn’t earn it, and I don’t have to continue to perform for it. This love offered freely by God is unfailing. Even in my lowest moments, when I don’t feel the energy to redirect my thoughts and actively speak truth to myself, I know I can rest in His love.

It is this true and unconditional love from Father God that I always rely on. My friend, when you are anxious, may you have power to renew your mind and fix your gaze on God. May you sink into the love of God and rest there.

Let’s Pray:

 

Dear God, 

Help me to know and rely on your love in deeper ways. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Will Carry You” by Ellie Holcomb. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” by Audrey Assad (feat. Fernando Ortega). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Will Rest in You” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

~*~
Connect with Lynette:
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Observing animals taught me about peace

Observing Animals Can Teach Us How to Relieve Stress
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

—Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

One day, I was on my way to work early in the morning. I passed a sleeping cat under a tree, looking peaceful. As I walked by, he arched his back in a long stretch.

I crossed the street to find two birds in a tiny puddle of water. One would go for a drink and the other would dip their wing in it. Closer to the neighbor's house were two cats that sat directly beside each other. If it were not for the black patch on one cat, you would have thought you were seeing double. They weren’t playing or anything. They were just casually hanging out in the backyard.

Further down the street, I saw a squirrel inside someone’s gate. At first, it was just walking from one house to another. Then it suddenly hopped like a bunny rabbit to the next house. All the animals I saw brought a smile to my face. They seemed happy and peaceful. I was grateful that I didn’t see the large raccoon I had encountered the previous week.

These amazing creatures that God put on this Earth are examples of what we should be like, in my opinion. Laid back, peaceful, and not a care in the world.

I understand that we have a lot of things going on, whether you’re a single parent or a married couple struggling to make ends meet. Whatever your circumstances are, times are really tough these days. The prices on products in the USA have skyrocketed on everything from food to cars and housing. Yet in many cases, most people’s paycheck amount has remained the same. I understand sometimes it feels like you’re a professional juggler because you’re always balancing many things at once. Not to mention trying to figure out how to make things work with what you have. It’s not an easy task, to say the least. However, you get up every day and focus on finding ways to make things better.

You do it so much that you end up neglecting yourself. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes, so this young lady understands. But how about you do something different instead of stressing?

What if you acted like the animals that were just relaxing and enjoying life? Take a long nap and rejuvenate your mind and body. Then stretch like a cat after a most enjoyable slumber. Perhaps a nice rest in the yard or park, doing absolutely nothing to release the stress of your struggles. Add a nice book and beverage to enhance this. Or if you really need to get rid of your stress, try playing like the squirrel did. Find an activity like running, painting, or bird watching. Indulge in something that makes you smile from the inside out. You don’t necessarily need to spend money to have a good time. All it takes is a creative mind and the desire to relieve your stress. Some of our greatest examples that show us how to relax in this world are literally in front of us—we just have to open our eyes to see as I saw in the lives of these animals that maintain their peace as the world revolves around them.

A little while ago, my peace was disturbed when my car broke down and I was forced to take public transportation. It was not a happy time to say the least. I got caught in a bad rainstorm on my way home from work once. By the time I got home, I was completely drenched. Another time, I came face-to-face with a raccoon on my way home. These are the kinds of things that will surely stress you out. However, I restarted a jewelry-making hobby of mine that helped me regain my peace. I decided to do it more often and it turned into something I truly enjoy. It relaxes me while I make different bracelets for my friends and myself.

It’s just something about jazzing up an outfit with a one-of-a-kind bracelet that I enjoy creating. Whether it's for a classy event, work attire, or anything else, the joy I get from creating something beautiful eases all my troubles away.

Perhaps today, you too could do something to send your troubles away and restore your peace. Start with God and ask Him in prayer what that looks like for you.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I ask that You wrap your arms around the person reading this. Let them know that the burdens they carry are not for them. But they are for You to carry instead. Give them peace so they can rest. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I’ll Give You Peace” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

~*~
Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to take time to be healed

Take Time to Heal
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“A time to kill,

And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

And a time to build up.”

—Ecclesiastes 3:3 (NKJV)

As I sat in silence with my eyes closed, I opened my heart and ears to receive from God. I focused on four words mentally. Lord, please heal me.

I waited for the presence of God to wash over me. I calmly inhaled and exhaled as I practiced patience. I eagerly anticipated meeting God in this moment. I made time to stop my busyness and quiet the noise in my world to make space for a God encounter. It was my time to heal. At the feet of Jesus Christ, I knelt to bask in His healing presence.

Ecclesiastes 3:3 is a declaration of a wise man named Solomon. After having lived life as a king, he reflects on his life’s lessons. He emphasizes the importance of the cycles of life. There is a time and season for all things, he assures us. There is a time to kill. In order to birth new things many times, we must experience the death of the old. Dying makes room for life and new things. While we should never kill a human being (Exodus 20:13), we must kill anything that would inhibit God’s purpose in our lives. This includes toxic relationships, unhealthy or destructive patterns, negative or false beliefs, and bad practices in our lives.

Healing has its proper place in the cycles of life. Sometimes we are wounded by the ones we love and honor unintentionally. Sometimes we are the casualties of our life’s battles, or the battles of others. We hurt in different ways. We experience loss and disappointment. We are wounded physically, spiritually, emotionally, or psychologically. We experience some sort of trauma.

It’s easy to ignore the hurt and put on a brave face. It’s easy to refuse to grieve properly and become busy. It’s easy to drown yourself in work or in the care of others. But we must learn how to stop. We must make and take time to heal. As women—mothers and wives—we take on so much. As natural nurturers we are very much concerned with the care of others. So much so, that we sometimes neglect ourselves and our self-care.

If we do not care for ourselves, our body will cry out with warning signs. This may look like body aches, emotional turmoil, forgetfulness, insomnia, crankiness, depression, anxiety, isolation, increased stress levels, etc. Our bodies tell the story. Our bodies are our physical houses—we only get one, so we must care for it intentionally. King Solomon admonishes us that healing is essential to a healthy lifestyle. We can heal in several ways.

I’d like to discuss a few ways that we can heal today:

We heal ourselves with our diet. I’ve learned that food is the fuel that nourishes our bodies. Nutritious foods provide the necessary elements for growth and nourishment to our bodies. Water hydrates us and positively benefits all the systems in our body. Conversely, what we ingest has the power to destroy and break down our body systems. A diet high in sugar, salt, and fat can clog arteries, cause weight gain, and overwork organs. Obesity is a very real disease that causes other physical diseases and can shorten our lifespan. Take time to heal the body with a healthy diet.

We heal ourselves with rest. Rest encompasses sleep and awake time. Sleep plays an intricate role in our healing. During sleep, our bodies and minds reset for the coming day. Our body clocks set again and prepare for the work ahead. Our sleep patterns monitor our hormones and daily functioning. We should sleep for one fourth of our day to power up for the remaining 16 hours. During our time awake, we must also take mental and physical breaks. We can practice silence or Christian meditation. We can also sit and reflect and take time to rest our bodies and minds. Our bodies will thank us.

We heal ourselves with self-care. It matters how we treat ourselves. The first relationship that we have is one with ourselves. It is healing to truly love and accept yourself. We deserve love and to know how much our Maker loves us. We should ask God to help us see ourselves how He sees us. The Bible says we are beautiful and valuable to God (Psalm 139:14). He says that we are good and worthy of love (Genesis 1:31). We should treat ourselves as such. Encourage yourself and care for yourself. Treat yourself to a good life and new experiences. Take the trip. Eat your favorite food sometimes. Get the massage and take yourself on a date. You deserve it. Make time to be still and reflect on God’s goodness. Speak kindly to yourself. Journal and reflect on your wins and celebrate. Process the pain and talk to a licensed therapist. Deal with your trauma and heal your inner child. That is self-care. It is your time to heal.

We can heal our relationships. This includes your relationships with God and others. If you are far from God or angry at Him, reconcile with Him. God loves us more than we can ever know or understand. Express your anger and bitterness toward Him; He already knows how you feel. He’s waiting for you to come to Him and talk about it. He is not intimidated by our feelings. Deal with the relational hurt from family members and/or friends that has plagued you for years. Acknowledge and release the bitterness and resentment from years past. Face the woundedness from experiences of rejection and being misunderstood by people you love. Admit your struggle with misplaced anger and frustration. Mourn that loss and properly grieve instead of ignoring the pain or covering it with busyness. It’s time to stop and make space for your healing, for your health’s sake.

Remember: God has made us stewards over our temples (bodies), time, talent, and treasure. In order to be great stewards, we must prioritize our healing. This means that we must heal our temples through our diet. We must heal our temples with appropriate rest. We must heal our temples with appropriate self-care. And we must heal our relationships with ourselves, God, and others. Healing is a process that requires time and intention. It is your right. You deserve to heal and be healthy.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are the Lord our God who heals us. Help us to understand that healing is essential to our life and it is our right as Your children. Cause us to make time to heal. Help us to quiet the noise and stop our busyness for your purpose of healing in our lives. Cause us to see the signs in our lives that cry out for healing then help us to respond with giving ourselves rest and proper self-care. Help us to heal our relationship with ourselves, with You, and with others. Grant us the grace to take the first step in our healing journey. Teach us how to partner with You so that we may be healed and whole. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers.

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Healer” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Healing Has Begun” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. 

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives today.

~*~
Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to slow down and learn to rest

Finding Rest in God
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.”—John 4:4-6 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a dead cell phone battery? Are you driven by endless tasks that scream for your attention?

Lately, that's been my struggle. God has urged me to slow down for weeks, but I've been distracted and restless. Like a stubborn two-year-old, I continue to push myself by saying yes to commitments instead of to Him. Being busy with what is good has kept me from God's best: rest.

Does this sound familiar? In today’s world, finding time to rest seems impossible, but knowing it was a priority for Jesus Christ might change your mind. Jesus walked 35 miles in the blistering sun before arriving in Samaria, a direct route from Jerusalem to Galilee. By the time He arrived at the well, He was likely parched and hungry, and His feet most likely ached, so Jesus stopped to rest. On any given day during His ministry, thousands needed Him, yet Jesus stopped what He was doing and retreated to a quiet place to connect with His Father in prayer (Luke 5:16).

If the omnipotent Creator of the Universe needed rest, why don’t we take time to rest too? Society has given rest a bad name, but God designed us and He knows what we need. Therefore, when God tells us to slow down, and we refuse, He'll do it for us.

Recently I took my cell phone to the big box store because its battery wouldn't charge. An employee told me that debris in the charging port prevented it from receiving power. I didn't need a new phone; I needed a Q-tip to clean it. When the demands of life exhaust us, Jesus invites us to recharge our batteries by removing unnecessary commitments from our schedules so we receive the rest our souls need (Hebrews 4:16).

It's more than just our lives that can get cluttered. If we're not careful, sin accumulates in our hearts and keeps us from receiving the fullness of what Jesus died to give us. He didn't design us to live as if everything is up to us. Instead, He wants to carry our burdens so we don't burn out. When we humble ourselves by confessing our sins, we experience His forgiveness and freedom (1 John 1:9; Matthew 11:28).

St. Augustine said our hearts are restless until we find our rest in God. While the world tells us to chase productivity, Jesus invites us to embrace His pace for our lives that never depletes us. So, the next time your phone battery is low, and you need strength to keep going, go to Jesus. He's anxiously waiting to connect with you!

Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, when life's demands weigh heavily on my heart, I'm grateful my soul can rest in You. When I take the time to experience Your presence and power, I know that whatever comes my way, Your plans for me will succeed. In Jesus's Name, I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Will Rest in You” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread. 

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about Gigi (her Cocker Spaniel) was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Since 2022, Sarah’s devotionals have been published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Rest

We Need Rest
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 

–Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

As I was preparing to write this devotional, I kept thinking of different topics to address, and then I remembered that lately, I’ve been seeing “rest” or hearing about people taking time to rest.

There is a writer I follow who is taking a sabbatical for July. There is a Christian author and podcaster who is removing the Instagram app from her phone for the month of July to rest from social media. And a friend recently sent me a video on Instagram about the importance of rest. So, I started thinking, is God trying to tell me something?

Scripture talks about rest in different areas of the Bible. We know Jesus rested plenty of times during his time on Earth, and He even told his disciples to rest too. Let’s read Mark 6:31 (NIV): “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

As I mentioned, the concept of rest has been arising these past few days, so I’ve decided to organize my side-projects/business schedule and intentionally included two days out of the week to rest. My schedule will now look like this (outside my daily work schedule, by the way): On Mondays, I’ve declared my writing days. Whatever project, article, newsletter post, devotional, or client work I need to write will be done on Mondays. Tuesdays are dedicated to promoting my podcast. Wednesday is for the internship I’m currently doing, Thursday is a rest day, Friday is for editing my podcast, Saturday is a rest day, and Sunday is content creation day for the week.

Building or running a business, building a brand, podcasting, and writing takes a lot of energy, and our bodies get tired. We must remind ourselves to take a break, rest, and recharge. Our bodies need it! And if we don’t, our bodies will force us to take a break. We must follow the examples God gave us.

My encouragement today for you is to reevaluate your schedule. Check if you have rest intentionally scheduled in your calendar and if not, schedule it. We cannot always be on “go mode” because we’ll burn ourselves out. So, make sure you spend time resting!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank you for all the eyes reading this today. I pray that if there is anyone who may need rest, they are encouraged to rest today. Lord, thank you for our bodies, our gifts, and the talents that you have provided. Thank you that you’ve made rest for our bodies to recharge so we can continue the good work. I thank you so much for everyone reading this, and I pray that they find the rest they need. In Jesus’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

~*~

Author Bio:

Heidy De La Cruz is daughter of Christ, a wife, and a mother. 

She writes poetry and encouraging spiritual blog posts.

Heidy shares her faith and life in hopes of encouraging women. She hosts the podcast, "The American Dream in The Eye of Immigrants" where immigrants share their stories about moving to the United States of America.

Heidy holds a master's degree in Healthcare Administration and bachelor's degree in Psychology. She works as a Medical Coding Specialist.

In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and two kids.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Blog: https://heidyreynoso.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidyreynoso13
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream

Devotionals for the Heart: Lessons on learning how to slow down and rest

Returning and Rest
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”–Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)

I wish it were easier for me to choose to slow down and rest. I tend to keep going until I drop.

If I am not careful, I begin to rely on my own tenacity and the power of momentum, rather than God’s Holy Spirit. Then, I lose sight of the purpose of what I’m doing. I feel stressed and frustrated. My service to God becomes drudgery. Sometimes, the Lord has to allowed me to become sick simply so that I will slow down.

I went through one of these cycles recently. Momentum had built and I was going from one good thing to another. I admit that I knew I couldn’t handle much more. My husband was also feeling stressed, and our children were acting up more than usual. One night over dinner, I suggested that our whole family “unplug” as much as possible for a few days.

I don’t deny that it is easy to unwind by flipping on the television, but is it really the best way to unwind? Is it possible that God longs for us to see Him as our primary source of rest and refreshment? Not just seeking Him with a Bible reading plan or study outline, but by coming before Him with no agenda other than to sit quietly and enjoy His presence?

When I slow down, whether it’s by unplugging or intentionally putting the brakes on a busy schedule, I become more aware of His presence. If I have a fear of missing out, He gently reminds me that what I gain is going to be far greater than what I miss, and in the future I may find myself in a better position to receive His blessings simply because I’ve taken this time to sit at His feet.

It may even be that my busy schedule and technological distractions are causing me to miss out. 

Yes, we all have things that we need to accomplish and we absolutely should be busy about the Lord’s work. But I admit that I feel a certain sense of connectedness when I have my hand wrapped around my phone. I am interacting with people and aware of what’s going on in the world around me. None of these things are wrong in and of themselves but are they the best? Have I chosen the good part as Mary did (Luke 10:42)? Or does knowing how much is going on out there and trying to get as much done as possible, leave us fearful and concerned over many things as Martha was (Luke 10:41)?

Every time I think of going back into my normal routine, I wonder if God is done yet, or if there’s more He wants to show me if I just hold on a little longer. Personally, as I relax and enjoy the quiet in the house, I am tempted to ask whether I even want to go back to that! I will have to eventually but when I do, I want to know that I’ve drawn all the strength I need for the next busy stretch.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for the quiet moments. If I have not taken time to sit at Your feet for a while, help me to choose to slow down, to unplug, or do whatever I need to in order to draw strength from You. I want to glean everything I can from these quiet moments and draw confidence from Your presence. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Make Room” (song) by Jonathan McReynolds. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children. 

It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure! Her current long-term project is Gott Mit Uns, a German-perspective 20th century historical fiction series.

Aubrey lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. She’s busy keeping the home, caring for her family, doing research for and writing her books.

Aubrey enjoys music and is involved with the worship ministry at her church as well as a German choral group. She also plays gigs occasionally with friends as a singer and acoustic guitarist. After all that, she finds time to sketch, craft, and hike.

She is a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats.

Aubrey has a special heart for those who struggle with severe anxiety, depression and PTSD.

~*~
Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why We Need to Remember Our True Source

The Brook Cherith Season
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan.”—1 Kings 17:3 (NKJV)

I was finally in a good rhythm.

I had a monthly theme for all my blogs and newsletters. My social media posts were created and scheduled a month in advance, correlating with the theme. I had finally gotten a handle on creating reels consistently and effortlessly. They were reaching thousands on social media every week. My email subscribers were growing, and my followers were increasing. The words God had given me to teach and edify His people were reaching and stretching to countries worldwide, and I knew this was only the beginning. Just as the momentum was building, God told me to, “Stop. Get away and hide.”

We find the prophet Elijah in the same predicament in this verse in 1 Kings 17:3. He was starting his ministry. God had just instructed Elijah to give a word of the Lord to King Ahab, announcing there would be no rain in the land. Giving this word was his first assignment, then God said, “get away from here” and “hide.”

I wonder if Elijah asked the same questions I did. Such as: “But God, we’re just getting started.” “You’ve given me so many assignments to complete, and they’ve only just begun. So why am I stopping now?”

I was confused and felt lost. I didn’t quite know how to obey this command. How do I keep still? How do I not do the work God gave me to do? I sometimes felt worthless if I didn’t have “work” to do. However, when the Holy Spirit led me to this scripture, I realized why Elijah needed to be alone at the brook and why God brought me here.

During Elijah’s time at the brook, God sent ravens to feed him. God placed him in a situation where he had to rely on God and God alone to provide for him. God sometimes needs to separate us, even from the work we do for Him, so we can remember our true source. At some point, God needs to bring all of us to a place where we have no choice but to walk by faith and not by sight.

Although my workflow was structured and in order, this order was not God’s order. It was not God’s structure. Therefore, He had to tear it down. I thought I was on my way up, but God brought me back to the valley for an important reason and lesson.

The Brook Cherith season is a time of strengthening your devotion and dependence on God. It is a training and building-up season for the next season to come. After Elijah spent three years in a season of isolation, (1 Kings 18:1) he then went from the brook to the mountaintop. In the next chapter, he performed a prophetic miracle on Mount Carmel by bringing down fire from Heaven (1 Kings 18:38-39). This sign and wonder showed the idolatrous nation of Israel who the one and only true God is.

Throughout the Bible, you will see examples of the valley experience before the mountaintop miracles. For example, Joseph was imprisoned before he made it to the palace, God hid David in caves before he became king, and Moses was hidden in the wilderness before he led the people out of Egypt.

We all need a season alone with God to prepare us for our greater assignment. The next level God was leading these heroes required Him to do inner work in them first. First, He will need to build your character and discipline. Next, He trains you in obedience and reliance on Him. Finally, He shows us that nothing we do or accomplish can succeed without Him.

We cannot manipulate this season and try to rush ourselves through it. It would be like giving birth to a baby before it is fully developed; complications and abnormalities will occur. If God has you in this season, as He has me, don’t look at it as idle time. This time is valuable. It is a time to be molded, sculpted, and pruned by God Almighty. It is time He chooses to allocate to you exclusively. We should feel privileged because God wants us all to himself. He is even willing to put aside His work to do some work in you.

All the work you’ve been doing for Him was valuable for that season. However, what He needs you to do next will make another version of yourself you have not yet met. Only He knows who you need to become for your fire on Mount Carmel moment.

I’ve learned to be grateful for this time. I no longer try to fight against what He wants to bring forth. I no longer want to rush through the process because I might lose followers or subscribers. Instead, I am allowing myself to be groomed by Him, which feels great!

According to the Blue Letter Bible app, the word "Cherith" means "cutting, to cut away, or separation". That is the purpose of this time; to cut out what is not needed. After the cutting, all that is left is you and God. I appreciate this hidden season and all the things He is cutting away that no one else can see. He is cleaning me up for my big premiere. Therefore, I will praise and thank Him for the Brook Cherith season.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I thank You for the Brook Cherith. I thank You for a season of isolation to be with You alone. Thank You for Your desire to be with me in this way. Forgive me for wanting to rush through this precious time. Forgive me for putting my structure before yours. I am yours now. Have Your way in my life. Continue to prepare me for the next season. May Your will be done and not my own. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Just the Beginning” by The Kurt Carr Singers. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019.

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His word gave her. She felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. Her first Bible plan debuted in December 2021. She will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

Also in 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her: “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: Lessons learned on obeying God's speed limit

Obeying God's Speed Limit
A devotional by Sarah Cole

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

–Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

I looked at my calendar, and a feeling of dread came over me.

Over the next 24 hours, I planned to host a dinner party, make a meal for a friend, work at my volunteer job, rush to meet a writing deadline, and prepare my house to welcome a new foster puppy.

But when I woke up the following day with a respiratory virus, I realized God used my body to do the very thing I was not willing to do: slow down and rest.

Like many women growing up in today's culture, I was raised to live in the fast lane. My mother taught me to live by a handful of words that would drive me most of my life, and my father teased her for the "shoulds," and "musts" that were commonplace in her vocabulary. But carrying these arbitrary rules into my adult life served to push me beyond the point of exhaustion. And I learned the hard way that the payoff of running on empty wasn't worth the effort.

Perhaps, like me, you've realized that moving full speed ahead to pursue the world's version of abundant life is a recipe for exhaustion and burnout. But the good news is that we don’t have to live this way. When we slow down to God's speed limit, it can feel strange to go against the grain of how our instant gotta-have-it-now society lives, but it's the way He's designed us.

When Jesus walked this earth, He didn't sit on his laurels. But He knew the value of rest, and unlike most of us, He was never in a hurry. After a full day of ministry, He set an example for us by retreating to a quiet place to pray and recharge His batteries (Luke 5:16).

We are no different. If we want to experience the abundant life Jesus promised us, we must surrender our schedules to Him and wait on Him for direction. As our Shepherd, He leads us at His speed because He knows it fits us perfectly (Psalm 23:2-4).

If you're like me and find it challenging to slow down, here are ways to incorporate much-needed rest into your life:

1. Know ahead of time what matters and what doesn't. By doing so, you manage your to-do list before it manages you.

2. Remember to rest weekly. When God rested on the seventh day, He set a standard for us to follow (Exodus 20:8-11). Our Omnipotent Creator never grows weary, but He knows we do.

3. Listen to your body. It's God's temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Like our cars, our bodies have an internal dashboard. If we choose to ignore its warnings and neglect our need for rest, God knows they'll break down. Depression, pain, anxiety, stress are just some examples of our body's warning system.

4. Create margin in your schedule (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Think of ways to recharge your batteries and try one a week until it becomes a habit. Some ideas are a brisk nature walk, journaling, indulging in a creative hobby you enjoy, watching a movie, taking a bubble bath with scented candles, or curling up with that book you've had your eye on.

When you look at this week's schedule, are you trying to juggle too much or feel uncomfortable unless you are always doing something? That, my friend, is the hamster wheel that keeps you in danger of burning out. But there's hope! Instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask God to help you sort out your priorities and find tangible ways to live by His speed limit.

I promise you that you'll be glad you did.

Let's Pray: Dear God, You are an amazing Father and friend, and we thank you for teaching us the value of rest. When the world tempts us to live at breakneck speed, help us slow down long enough to remember what's truly important, so our lifestyle reflects Your kingdom values. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. 

Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: How my faith in God relates to my need to nap

Jesus and My Nap 180
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

—Psalm 63:1 (ESV)

I’ve always hated naps. For as long as I can remember, unless I had the flu, was pregnant, or had a sleep-chaotic newborn in the house, I refused even the idea of a snooze.

“They make me nauseous,” I’d say.

It was true—I’d put my head down and wake up ten or twenty or sixty minutes later, and for the rest of the day, my stomach would be in knots. And in truth, I had a bias about them, too. In my heart of hearts, I thought naps were for the lazy, for those who sat around eating chocolate and kicking up their feet, for those not driven to make their mark in the world as I was.

Oh, dear, naïve, and completely incorrect Younger Me…

In the last few years, I’ve discovered the power of naps both from a physical and mental health perspective. More importantly, I’ve discovered how tied in naps are with my surrender to the Lord, to my relinquishment of control on the tight grip I hold on life. I guess you could say I’ve done a nap-180, done a complete about-face on my former nap-hating perspective.

I’m not exactly sure when I discovered the power of naps, but I suspect my brain-shift happened shortly after Matt and I got married. See, I was always a workhorse before I had kids, but after I became a single mom with a demanding and wonderful full-time job, I’d often get by on four or five hours of sleep a night. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” I’d quip. If the sun was up—or the moon—there was work to do and adventures to be experienced.

But then came Matt, a partner to help with it all. Slowly, I relaxed. I didn’t have to do it all on my own. I started getting seven hours of sleep a night, then eight, then nine. I began to heal and truly listen to my body. Before, when stress got overwhelming, I’d slug back some coffee and push through. Now, I became more introspective. I read the Bible more. I meditated on things like “surrender.”

One day, I was so overwhelmed with deadlines that I felt ill. I’d overcommitted (as usual!), and I felt frazzled and unfocused. I wanted to give my best work, but my brain just wasn’t working right. I was weepy and completely “off.”

So I left the office, went home, and slid fully dressed between the sheets. An hour later, I woke up. And you know what? The sky hadn’t fallen because I’d taken a short break. My body and mind were refreshed and reset. I found I was no less productive because of it. (In fact, perhaps I was more productive.)

In essence, I “gave it over to God,” surrendering my will as I lay my head on that pillow. Since then, I have come to genuinely enjoy naps. I try to keep them short, and I don’t nap every day. But if I get that familiar restlessness within my soul, that “everything depends on me and I have to do X, Y, Q, and Z now or this will happen!” feeling, that feeling that I want to binge on cereal until everything feels better, I’ve come to realize that’s my body and brain’s way of expressing overwhelm.

And when I feel that overwhelm, there’s only one solution: God.

I can’t fix everything, and cereal and excessive worry or control can’t make everything wrong in my life get better, or the deadlines disappear. But God is at the helm of my ship. He’s in control, not me. I relinquish my life to Him. In Isaiah 41:10 (ESV), God reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God is in control, not me, and when I remember to nap instead of looking to myself to handle everything, it becomes—at least for me—an act of spiritual surrender.

I suspect King David understood this when he penned Psalm 63:1 (ESV), which begins, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

Are you in a place where you find it hard to surrender to God or relinquish control? Is something about this devotional speaking to your heart?

I invite you to pray, and let God take over.

Let’s Pray: Holy Lord, thank You for your righteous and loving control over all things. You created this world, and You created me. Help me take comfort in the pure knowledge that in You, I am safe. No matter what happens in this life, in You I have eternal salvation because I trust in You and I accept and follow Your son, Jesus Christ, as my Savior. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden.

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: Rest

Rest: The Forgotten Commandment
A devotional by Gena Anderson

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” – Exodus 31:12-13 (NIV)

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with your to-do list?

Have you ever wanted a break but did not take one because then nothing would get done?

In my life the list of tasks is never-ending and I’m guessing yours is similar, yet God insists on rest in His Word. An interesting contradiction to what life demands, the idea of resting does not come naturally to me, and the execution of a day of rest is challenging.

Why?

While I’d like to say I cannot rest because I’m busy feeding orphans and caring for widows, being the hands and feet of Jesus, the reality is not quite that noble. What keeps us from resting is often one of these not so flattering reasons:

● Self-reliance over God-reliance

● Putting our identity in our work

● Materialism

● Envy

● Valuing achievement over relationships

● Insecurity, or the fear of not having enough

Contrast this with children. I often think how nice it must be to have someone provide for you, do your laundry and cook your food. They have no problem stopping work, none at all. We often have to bargain and threaten to get them to work. Somewhere in the transition to adulthood that changes.

We all learn to be self-reliant and not dependent on others, but we take that too far and try to function independent from God. Some are wounded from a childhood with unmet needs and don’t know what it means to have a dependable parent. As a child of God we are dependent on Him, whether we think so or not. He is our Good Father.

We need to stop striving for self-reliance and choose to be God-reliant.

What does God-reliance have to do with rest?

Resting on Sabbath on a weekly basis reminds us who God is. He is our God, our provider who will meet every worrisome need. The things on our to-do list are nothing compared to His great plans. A relationship with us is one of His greatest desires, and more meaningful than any accomplishment. When we rest we are choosing to make God a priority over everything else.

When we don’t rest we feel anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, and exhausted. Perhaps we should trust our Creator, who actually designed us, and operate by the manual.

Making rest a priority and setting aside the Sabbath is one of the most productive and beneficial things we can do.

How can you make rest a reality in your life?

When the Sabbath comes, make an active choice to rest. Plan for physical rest, and do things that recharge your body. Schedule a nap or a family bike ride! Recharge your emotions through creation and relationships. Refocus your spirit through intimate time with him without outside interference.

Watch what God does in your life when you prioritize Sabbath rest. You will undoubtedly benefit from remembering who He is and allowing Him to make you holy.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, you are so good to give us the gift of a command to rest. Help me to set aside time for you and go before me to enable me. Forgive me for the ways I’ve neglected rest and ignored your instructions. Help me to abide in you more and more through every Sabbath with you. Thank you for the opportunity to rest in your goodness, grace, and mercy. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Gena Anderson is a Jesus-lover, writer, nurse practitioner, and blogger who loves to share wellness information and inspiration with the world around her.

She is the author of The Well Woman: A Journey to Wellness Through Loving Jesus, which is available on Amazon.com.

Gena proudly holds the title of wife, mom, and the world’s most average CrossFitter. She loves writing, reading, traveling, and brownies. She's working on that last one.

Gena lives in Hutto, Texas with her husband and two children.

~*~
Connect with Gena:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellwoman.blog
Website: well-woman-blog.com
Email: wellwomanbook@gmail.com