The lights are out, my teeth are brushed, and my thoughts drift off as I nestle under the bed covers.
And then it happens.
Without warning and against my best wishes, my brain begins cataloguing everything I failed to do today—and everything I need for tomorrow. Have I picked out my clothes? Are any of my clothes even clean? Where did I place my keys? Did someone put the trash out? Did I do enough?
I turn on the lights and hop out of bed, knowing I won’t be sleeping anytime soon. I have too much to do.
Has this ever happened to you?
Just when you think you can relax, a million thoughts of work and chores flood the calm space you created. Maybe you struggle to fall asleep at night, or maybe you just can’t seem to find the time in your day to sit and rest. You worry over your children’s needs. You dread tomorrow’s long to-do list. And you feel guilty when you take the time just to breathe.
But it’s okay for you to stop. To relax. To breathe.
God longs to give you rest. Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). When you can’t fall asleep or your brain won’t stop reeling, you can reflect on God’s promises of peace.
Let’s pray for God’s peace as we seek quiet spaces in our lives:
Lord, my thoughts won’t stop reeling. Calm my mind when I feel overwhelmed by life.
Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.– John 14:27 (GNT)
Lord, I feel scared and anxious. Give me perspective when I worry over little things.
…do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.– Matthew 6:34 (GNT)
Lord, I’m tired to trying to fix everything. Help me trust that you are in control.
For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” Let us be bold, then, and say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”– Hebrews 13:5b-6 (GNT)
Lord, I long for peace in my life. Show me what it looks like to truly rest in you.
Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.– Matthew 11:28-30 (GNT)
