With my personal life on hold due to my mother’s health crisis, I didn’t know how to help her.
I couldn’t even take care of my own family responsibilities four hundred miles away. Plus, I struggled to manage my other commitments at work and college.
I couldn’t sleep. When I would try to rest, my mind would race endlessly. I’d think about things I hadn’t completed and all
that I needed to do. And I would focus on my problems, unable to dismiss my worries.
So I prayed, Lord, I know I need to find rest. Help me go to sleep!
No, I didn’t miraculously fall asleep after that simple prayer. But I discovered a new prayer strategy for REST in Philippians 4:5–7 (niv):
- Remember—“The Lord is near.”
- Exalt—“ . . . [I]n every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving . . .”
- Surrender—“ . . . [P]resent your requests to God.”
- Trust—“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Red Flags
- How do you find REST from your worries?
- What do you need REST from today?
- What hindrances to your REST have you identified?
- How do you discern a worry from a concern?
GraceTalk
What promises from God’s Word have helped you embrace your promised land of REST?
Reflection
Can you remember a time when you found REST from your worries?
This excerpt taken from my eBook, RESTNotes. Be sure to get your FREE copy today!
