Day 16
Today's Scripture:
John 14:1
Matthew 11:29
Key Verses:
John 14:1
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."
Matthew 11:29
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
The Point:
A Resting Heart - Peace in Trusting Christ
Rest is defined as quiet; repose; a state free from motion or disturbance; a state of reconciliation to God.
Rest is a vital part of revival because Rest is trust in motion. A revived heart knows when to work and when to simply be still with God. A thriving heart learns to lay down burdens, anxieties, and fears by placing full trust in Jesus Christ. When our hearts rest in Him, we experience a peace that transcends circumstances, a calm assurance that God is in control.
Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Troubled hearts are often restless and anxious, but revival is when we fix our heart on the Lord, which brings a deep and abiding rest that renews strength and joy. Worry never solved anything, but taking action can. Trusting Christ means surrendering worries to Jesus Christ; believing in His goodness and power to sustain us through every trial.
Study all three of the verses cited in today's challenge (John 14:1, Matthew 11:29, Isaiah 26:3) and answer these Reflection Questions:
- Am I running on empty?
- Do I believe rest is part of God's plan?
- What worries or fears am I carrying that prevent my heart from resting?
- Are you willing to confess these as sin because they are a lack of trust?
- What things do I need to lay at Christ's feet today to find true rest?
Prayer Time
Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:
- If you are exhausted, out of energy from all of life's struggles and you haven't made room in your schedule for God; agree with God that your priorities were wrong, ask Him to forgive you, and start today to have a dedicated quiet time with Him!
- Many times we allow worry to dominate our thoughts and emotions, this will always prevent you from resting in God’s presence. Is that happening to you now? If yes, ask God to forgive you for giving in to worry and being anxious about things you can't control. Enjoy His forgiveness and peace.
- How Big is God? Do you routinely realize God is bigger than all the circumstances of life? When life circumstances become difficult, we often lose sight of God's power, presence, and plan. Confess your lack of faith and trust, realize He is in control and rest in His comfort!
Praise:
- Praise God that He is trustworthy.
- Praise God that, by His grace, you will rest in His promises today. (Isaiah 26:3)
Intercessory Prayers:
- Pray for someone you know who has yet to believe on Jesus and be saved.
- Pray for someone you know who is struggling with worry because of recent loss of job, a death in the family, or a health crisis.
Petitions:
- "Lord, Calm my heart with Your peace. Help me to trust You fully and find rest in Your presence. As I read your word build my faith, as I pray soften my stubborn pride that demands I be in control of everything. I look forward to seeing how you will resolve my concerns according to your will. I claim your promise of Isaiah 26:3). Thank you for hearing me and answering my prayer. I praise you for keeping me in your perfect peace."
Action Step:
Take a moment today to breathe deeply and consciously surrender your worries to Jesus, inviting His peace to fill your heart. Take 30 minutes today to be quiet in God’s presence.