Establishing a Routine of Rest Isaiah 30:15 Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Establishing a Routine of Rest
Your Nightly Prayer
by Amber Ginter

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” - Isaiah 30:15

SOMETHING TO PONDER

I never thought rest was a gift. As someone with high-functioning anxiety and depression, I treated it like the eleventh plague, just after the locusts, eternal darkness, and death of Pharaoh’s firstborn. But in Psalm 127:2 and Psalm 23:2-3, we read that rest is a gift God created for all people. Genesis 2:3 even notes, “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it, God rested from all his work that he had done in creation” (NIV).

The funny thing about this scripture is that, as Christians, we seem to pick out everything we love about the Creation story and discount what we don’t. We’re thankful that God created the sun, moon, and stars, people and animals alike, but when it comes to resting, we seem to eliminate that like an optional topping we’d rather not have. But is that right? Is that holy? Is that biblical? Today, the Sabbath is becoming increasingly popular, not because more people are choosing to participate, but because they’re being forced to. Burnout, anxiety, and depression are at an all-time high, and while restlessness isn’t the top culprit, it’s surely something to take note of.

When we believe that rest is something we should feel guilty for, we’re abandoning one of God’s most important commands: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8, NIV). We’re also exchanging the gift and command of rest for a lie: That we have to work or produce something to be worthy of rest. Friends, I’ve spent way too much time believing this lie. I don’t want you to fall victim to the same trap. Because establishing a routine rhythm of rest isn’t just what’s best for us; it’s what’s necessary for abundant and fruitful living. If you struggle to rest, here are three simple tips you can try today:

Tell God how you’re feeling in a journal. As you pen your words, write them as a prayer to the Lord.
Take some time to practice 4-4-8 breath prayers. With your eyes closed, inhale through your nose for four seconds while mentally reciting the first part of a Scripture ("When anxiety was great within me” (Psalm 94:19). Then, hold that breath for four seconds. On the next eight seconds, exhale through your mouth while mentally reciting the second part of that Scripture (“Your consolation brought me joy," NIV).
Change up your quiet time. If you usually follow a Bible plan and journal, try meditating on some verses, listening to worship music, or playing a new sermon you've been wanting to try out. It’s good and healthy to try new things and experience God in new and fresh ways.

Taking a rest isn't easy. It takes practice, discipline, and a willingness to exchange hustle and bustle for a slower, more mindful pace. But it’s a challenge worth every ounce of effort it takes to restore the life God intended for you to live. Will you embrace this rest today?

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear Jesus,
Rest doesn't come easily for me. In a world that identifies my worth by my productivity, remind me that I am worth more than what I produce. Show me that true and eternal rest is possible, and allow me to fully embrace it. Thank you not only for seeing me in these struggles but also for loving me enough to give me your gift of rest. I love you, Lord.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

How can you establish routine rest in your life? Talk about this with a friend or spouse, then ask them to hold you accountable.
Write down the 10 Commandments. Do you follow all of them? Journal to God about your findings.
Do you struggle to rest? Ask God to help you understand why. Then, make a game plan of 1-2 small action steps you can take this week to help you rest more consistently.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Shane Rounce

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

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