Finding Rest in a World That Never Sleeps
Do you ever feel like you’re working all day and night, with no rest in sight? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to take a break. But rest is essential for our well-being, and it’s a theme that runs throughout Scripture.
The Promise of Rest
From the seventh day of creation to the promise of eternal rest in heaven, God has always provided a way for us to rest. Jesus himself offered us rest when he said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This isn’t just physical rest, but a deep, soul-satisfying rest that comes from trusting in God’s goodness and sovereignty.
The Problem with Prayer
So, why do we struggle to find rest? One reason is that we’ve turned prayer into a task rather than a privilege. We pray because we think we should, or because we want to get something from God. But prayer is meant to be a conversation with God, a way of pouring out our hearts to him and finding rest in his presence.
What Prayer Is Not
According to John Calvin, prayer is not about informing God of things he doesn’t know, or trying to persuade him to do something he’s reluctant to do. Rather, prayer is about exercising our faith, meditating on God’s promises, and relieving our anxieties by pouring them out to him.
The Benefits of Prayer
So, why should we pray? For one thing, prayer changes us. It reminds us of God’s character and helps us to trust in his goodness and sovereignty. Prayer also gives us a sense of perspective, helping us to see our problems in the light of God’s bigger plan. And when we pray, we experience God’s strength and comfort, even in the midst of weakness and uncertainty.
A Life of Prayer
So, how can we cultivate a life of prayer? One way is to use a prayer journal, like the Pour Out Your Heart Prayer Journal. This journal provides a unique method for guiding readers toward an intentional, Scripture-focused prayer life. It’s designed to be used over many years, and features prompts and exercises to help you deepen your prayer life.
Conclusion
Rest is a gift that God offers to us, and it’s available to us through prayer. By pouring out our hearts to God and trusting in his goodness and sovereignty, we can find the rest we so desperately need. So, take a deep breath, and let’s begin this journey of prayer together.
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