Rest, Restore, and Rejuvenate by Healthy by DesignSample

Pursuing Daily Rest in the Lord

Devotion

Even the thought of taking the time to study this devotional may fill you with uncertainty and anxiety. How will you find the time? How can you make yourself calmer and more peaceful? What if you quit or can't keep up? And, so go the thoughts on and on in your mind. It's these very thoughts that keep us from experiencing the real rest we're desperately seeking.

Rest assured that whatever thoughts you may be experiencing right now, you're right where you need to be at this very moment. Know that God has given you the incredible gift of His Word to mold and shape your mind, and He promises that it will never return void. It will do what it intended to do, which is, in this case, is to bring you peace and rest.

It's through the renewing of your mind that He plans to lead you into living a life of rest and peace; it's through the renewing of your mind that strongholds are broken. And it's through renewing of your mind that you will eliminate feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and doubt, and receive the mind of Christ.

How do you do that?

God calls you to take your everyday, ordinary life and offer it up to Him—no fanfare, no drumrolls, no significant productions. You don't have to have anything figured out—just you. In all that you are, and in all that you strive to be, give it all to God.

Every day you have an opportunity to renew your mind to the truth of who you are. Every day, you have a chance to experience the much-needed rest, restoration, and rejuvenation of your emotions, mindset, and beliefs.

When you wake up, take on the mind of Christ. As you eat, fix your mind on Jesus. Rest in his presence today. Set your mind on the things above. This is the way to live today in rest, peace, and joy.

Now take a deep breath followed by a big exhale and let it all go. God's got you, my sister!

Reflect

1. Reflect on how God wants to change you from the inside out. Journal your thoughts.

2. How will you offer your everyday life to God today?

3. Romans 12 says, "Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it." What does God want from you, and how will you respond to it?

Relaxation Exercise

Declaring Your Best In the Lord

We can be so hard on ourselves. This only creates more tension in our bodies, and as a result, our bodies produce more cortisol, which prevents weight loss and keeps us feeling anxious. For today, as often as necessary, say, "I'm doing the best that I can."

When you spend time with the Lord, know that He is changing you on the inside. Believe his Word that He is not slow to fulfill his promises, so trust Him and rest in Him instead of judging and beating up on yourself. Trust that although it may not feel like it, you are doing your best.

Worship and Prayer

Thank you for leading me to this course, Lord. You know how much I need it! I'm so tired, Lord. Some days I don't know if I'm coming or going, but today is a new day, and I'm looking forward to the changes you will be making in my heart as I spend time with you and acknowledge your presence.

In Jesus' sweet name, I come to you today to change my mind. I thank you that you are changing the neural pathways in my brain to form new healthy thoughts that set me free and give me rest. I thank you that you are rewiring my brain at a biological level to have your mind. This world and all its trappings no longer hold my mind captive. I have the power to think new thoughts, to see myself as you see me, and to take every thought captive and make it obedient to you. I choose to think about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable, whatever is lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. In Jesus' name. Amen."