Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 ESV

When life seems hard, complicated, or chaotic, we need to keep it simple. We turn to Jesus, drop the heavy load at his feet and simply rest. Some days I do this multiple times quickly, then there are days like today that I need to physically sit and rest in his presence for an extended period of time.

What does this look like? In my life, here are two possible ways I apply this verse.

1. Minor issues throughout my day require a physical pause to pray. I simply tell God what’s going on and ask for his help, peace, protection, or guidance in the situation. Sometimes I use a scripture verse and say it repeatedly as a prayer to God and reminder for me.
2. Larger issues or multiple issues require more for me. I begin by doing what Jesus did in the bible, I get off by myself to pray. I read scripture, pray, journal, as I feel the need. One thing I find really helpful lately is to open the book of Psalm and just start singing a Psalm to God. Yes, I do mean singing and out loud. The first time I did this it felt very odd in the beginning, but by the end I had a peace that could only come from God. I know that because I am unable to put the feeling into words.

Your pauses or rest breaks may look very different from mine and that is okay. God created us as individuals with different personalities, talents, and ways to cope with life. If you don’t know what to do simply pause and ask God to show you. Afterall, only God knows everything about you, including how you need to rest. The one thing we all need to do first is turn to him. Your challenge today is to simply pause and ask God how he wants you to rest when life seems out of control and then sit and listen.

Blessings,

Kathryn