Listen:
“Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25)
Reflect:
“Do not be anxious about anything”…Philippians 4:6, an instruction from scripture I memorized early on in my faith journey, has been a challenge to obey throughout my life, leaving me often times burdened and in need of emotional rest. Surrendering my anxious thoughts—is a battle that rages and calms.
To say my anxious thoughts at times weigh me down is the truth. Once on a prayer run, desperate to find relief from my anxiety, I asked the Lord why these anxious thoughts continue to torment me. And the Holy Spirit spoke to mine, “Until I return, anxious thoughts will be like little fires burning around you, threatening to consume you like kindling, but it is not My will for you to be burned. Are you willing to surrender your fears to me? To hold your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ? You can trust Me to quench the fiery darts of the enemy and guard your heart and mind with peace.” A loving reminder I so needed!
Sometimes God uses His Word and other times His people to speak kind compassionate words of hope when I need to redirect my thoughts toward what is true and good. He offers emotional rest when I find myself in turmoil.
This month of sabbath rest is an opportunity to breathe, to create space to surrender anew the anxious thoughts that threaten me, to listen to His good words of hope He offers me and to be willing to offer a good word to another.
Prayer of Response:
Lord, thank You for Your Holy Spirit, and for placing compassionate people in my life who share a good word right when I need it most. May I too be available to offer hearts that are weighed down a word of hope from You and Your word.
Questions to Ponder:
- What emotional rest does your heart lack? Talk to God about it and trust Him to provide what you need at just the right time.
- Is there someone God has placed in your life that needs a good word? Pray for them and ask God to give you the words to share with them in His timing.
—Submitted by Terri La Brie
Terri serves on the Lifesprings Executive team as Director of Prayer and is passionate about praying for and with women around the world to see them and their communities impacted with the love of Jesus Christ. Terri and her husband Joe live in Southern California as empty nesters. They have 4 married children and 13 grandchildren. This sabbath month is providing lots of space for seeking emotional rest for which she is grateful.
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