“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
I’ve always looked to God as my Provider. I am pretty good at praying, “Give us this day our daily bread.” These days, I have begun to understand, in a new way, that God wants me to see Him as more than just my Provider; God longs to be my soul’s confidant. In those moments of feeling alone or stressed, God invites me to find rest as His beloved, offering a comforting embrace that brings relief to my weary soul.
Many days, even though I had accomplished a lot, my soul still felt anxious. What I really longed for was a time of peace and joy. I seemed to find it easier to care for others and get things done for God rather than be vulnerable to my needs.
But God showed me that prayer is an intimate conversation rather than a spiritual transaction to be improved.
Prayer can be a place where my doubts and questions surface, making it feel like a daunting task. I used to feel ashamed and even angry when I didn’t know how to pray. But then, I heard Jesus whisper, ‘Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28). It was a gentle reminder that prayer is not about perfection, but about finding rest in Him.
Would you like to break free
from stress, anxiety, and worry?
In those moments, it takes more faith to tell Him I don’t know how to pray rather than pray like I always used to. This act of surrender, of admitting our vulnerability, can be a powerful step towards finding peace and liberation from the burdens that weigh us down.
Maybe you’re asking: How can I draw closer to God when stressed? That was my question, too. I began researched answers, and the following are three of the lessons I learned:
1. When you don’t have words to pray, remember that Jesus is praying for you. Nothing can separate you from God’s love. Not even your unrest. He’ll never get tired of you. Sometimes, God’s complete understanding and compassion is the greatest prayer we can experience. His presence. “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus … is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34)
2. When you’re too stressed to pray, invite Jesus into your world — consider journaling. Research shows that the power of writing can help lift some feelings of depression and improve happiness.
As your words flow, be honest. Use my favorite journaling prompt: ”Lord, I’ve been quiet (or angry or stressed) about this,” and feel the comfort that He wraps around you. ”Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
3. When you’re too exhausted to pray, take care of yourself. Remember Elijah? He did everything right — even defeating the prophets of Baal, but his problems worsened. He was stressed and running. Elijah woke up to find fresh bread baking on hot stones and water to wash it all down — which God had left just for him. Then the Lord sent an angel to touch him — twice. (1 Kings 19:5–8) God knew Elijah needed physical rejuvenation first so that he could hear God whispering in a gentle breeze. (1 Kings 19:12)
Use your time in prayer to let God love you. You may need sleep or something to eat. Maybe what you’re going through needs a friend’s touch or emotional safety? Prioritizing your own well-being may feel selfish, but God’s Word tells us that we comfort others “with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4). Remember, you are worth loving. If you haven’t received any, what do you have left to give?
You’re worth loving. Take one day at a time. God will provide. Just breathe.
Please Pray For: Sunshine Elementary as we help celebrate teacher appreciation week.
Please Pray For: the Pool of Bethesda, Ruach Ministries and Beth T’flah, who both rent space from us and assist in ministry.
Please Pray For: Our ongoing outreach through the food pantry. Pray that God would provide all that we need to continue.
Please Thank God For: Joy being finished with her chemotherapy.
Please Pray For: Joyce Brosch, and her ongoing therapy.
Please Pray For: God to forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us.
Please Pray For: Jered Kieon, who was in a serious ATV accident.
Please Pray For: Geri Nay, who is struggling with chemo and heart problems.
Please Pray For: Kathy Duitsman, who has breast cancer.
Please Thank God For: All those who lift us up in prayer.
Please Pray For: Leela Izzo, that God would strengthen and heal her.
Please Pray For: Those who struggle with housing needs.
Please pray For: all those who are out of work.
Please: “pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored” (2 Thess. 3:1).