We have all encountered times in our faith when we feel a little less than bold and spiritually dry. Maybe it’s when you don’t have the words to pray or you feel unclear about your Bible study plan, making it difficult to dig into His Word. As for me, oftentimes, when I carve out that precious time with the Lord, and my mind begins to wander or I get easily distracted, I realize I need a bit of a “heart check.”
Sadly, this is exactly where the enemy wants us and would love to keep us. It’s also a great way for guilt to creep in and quickly envelop our hearts, leading us to believe all kinds of untruths. But what if I told you there was a different way to respond when your mind drifts, your heart becomes heavy, and your soul is simply tired?
The Gift of Spiritual Rest
It all begins with rest. Think of it this way. What do you normally do when you are physically tired? You rest. Well, spiritual and God-honoring rest provides the “purposeful pause” our weary and tired souls desperately crave when we feel faithfully depleted. Rest is an invaluable part of our spiritual journey, allowing us to come before God and humbly abide in Him. Whether that means taking a peaceful walk to connect with Him through nature, listening to praise and worship music, or sitting on your back porch in prayer, when we earnestly yearn to connect with God with a pure heart, intentionally seeking and soaking in the wonders of His presence, He will meet us.
Friend, if you are spiritually tired today and in need of rest, I encourage you to pull out your Bible and join me as we seek to lean into verses that will awaken our minds, soften our hearts, and revive our weary souls. Let’s not only read these verses, but recite them aloud, proclaiming the power of His truth so loud that the enemy will cower down and our faith will rise up. Let’s become emboldened once again!
A Prayer for Rest
Father God,
You are so very good to us and provide a divine example of rest, as You rested after six days of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). You call us to do the same and grant us spiritual rest when our hearts and souls are weak and weary. Please forgive us when we fail to seek rest and allow the distractions and temptations of this world to pull us away from abiding in You. Quiet our hearts, ease our minds, and grant us strength to find peace and comfort in the powerful promises in Your Word. Thank you for being our rock, refuge, and source of true rest.
Amen.
Reading the Psalms and Praising God's Name Ushers in Rest
The powerful poems, praises, and prayers that encompass the book of Psalms are quite beautiful and acknowledge the purpose of our worship to the Lord, especially when we are in need of peace for our tired souls and anxious hearts. Allow the verses below to comfort you as you see the many promises scattered throughout the this book, and dive in more to discover how good, faithful, and just our God is.
"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge." - Psalm 62:5-7
"Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day." - Psalm 61:8
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord." - Psalm 27:14
Read Psalm 23, Psalm 91, and Psalm 145. What other Psalms speak to you? Read them aloud and proclaim the Lord’s victory over you today!
How Reading through the Book of Romans Can Ignite Your Faith
This book gives us a better understanding of the nature and character of our God and encompasses His past, present, and future encounters with the beloved people of Israel. Romans 8 provides a central and integral theme we must hold tightly to as believers, highlighting the assurance of our salvation. Read the entirety of Romans 8 aloud and let those powerful words resonate within you.
“And 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 is a well-known and treasured verse, often touted as one of the most quoted verses in the New Testament.
As controversial as this verse may be, Paul is giving us clarity to the suffering we will face and encounter this side of heaven. Basically, without hardships, there is nothing to look forward to. This is a promise from God declaring that those who love Him will be called to fulfill a greater purpose until we inherit the kingdom of heaven. Look up dear child, hope is on the horizon!
The Book of Hebrews Helps Us Understand God's Old and New Covenants
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8
The Book of Hebrews brings the knowledge of the Old Testament while emphasizing Jesus as the authority and supreme King. This book encourages Christians to persevere through trials and remember that while they will surely face challenges as believers, Jesus offers us grace and forgiveness through the new covenant. Praise be to God!
Meditating on the Book of Proverbs Helps Us Gain Valuable Wisdom
Proverbs 1:7 declares that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” As you dive into the clever little sayings, you will notice the recurring theme of “listen to wisdom.” This repetition serves a purpose as these verses are meant to be memorized and etched into our hearts (Proverbs 3:3).
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." - Proverbs 3:5-7
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19
Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. Proverbs 19:16
Which Proverbs speak to your heart?
Studying the Gospels Brings Us Closer to Jesus
Lastly, if you are still feeling spiritually tired, turn to the gospels and read their personal accounts of Jesus. Each holds such precious testimony, showing their flawed human nature encountering their perfect Messiah. While Luke was not an actual eyewitness, his message is still clear and holds the greatest birth story ever told!
Read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2
Matthew and Luke both share the birth story of Jesus. Matthew’s narrative tends to draw from Joseph’s perspective, whereas Luke’s storyline seems to come from Mary’s perspective. Do you see the parallels?
Read Mark 1:9-11 and Mark 15-16
The gospel of Mark centers around the ministry of Jesus, His baptism, His death, and resurrection.
Read John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, and 15:1
John’s account places value on our eternal God and that our Jesus is the Messiah. He emphasized Jesus as fully God and fully man, with the “I AM” statements. God has always declared Who He is!
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14
Continue to rest in Him, sweet friend, and saturate yourself in His Word. My prayer is that as you read and proclaim these truths and promises, your heart becomes awakened, your soul feels alive, and you experience the hope that only our God can bring!
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Priscilla Du Preez
