Week Four Devotional: Get Some Rest

Week 4 Devotional

Day 1: Rest in God's Presence

 * Bible Verses:

   * "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

   * "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

 * Reflection:

   * Do you feel weary and burdened? What are the things in your life that weigh you down?

   * How challenging is it for you to be still? What gets in the way?

 * Action Step: Take 10 minutes to sit quietly before God. Find a comfortable spot, set a timer, and focus on deep breaths and centering on God's presence.

 * Prayer Prompt: Dear God, I come to you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Help me to quiet my mind and rest in your presence. Fill me with your peace. Amen.

Day 2: Rest in God's Love

 * Bible Verses:

   * "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

   * "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)

 * Reflection:

   * Do you sometimes struggle to believe in God's unconditional love for you? Why or why not?

   * How does the truth that you are a child of God bring you a sense of peace and rest?

 * Action Step: Write down 3-5 specific ways you've experienced God's love. Meditate on these as a reminder of His goodness.

 * Prayer Prompt: Loving Father, thank you for your relentless love. Help me to truly grasp its depth and to overcome any doubts about my worthiness to receive it. Amen.

Day 3: Rest in God's Provision

 * Bible Verses:

   * "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

   * "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

 * Reflection:

   * Do you worry about your finances, job, or resources? How might trust in God's provision bring you rest?

   * What specific anxieties can you surrender to God today?

 * Action Step: Make a list of your specific needs. Then, write them down in prayer, surrendering them to God and asking Him to provide.

 * Prayer Prompt: Heavenly Provider, I bring my worries and needs before you. I trust that you care for me and will provide. Help me to let go of anxiety and rest in your promise to care for me. Amen.

Day 4: Rest in God's Forgiveness

 * Bible Verses:

   * "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

   * "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

 * Reflection:

   * Are you carrying guilt or shame? How can resting in God's forgiveness release you from those burdens?

   * What does it mean to live free from condemnation? How does that impact your sense of rest?

 * Action Step: Confess any unconfessed sin and ask God for His forgiveness. Write a note of gratitude for the freedom He provides.

Prayer Prompt: Merciful God, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Wash me clean and free me from the weight of my mistakes. Thank you for your grace. Amen.

Day 5: Rest in God's Sabbath

 * Bible Verses:

   * "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." (Exodus 20:8)

   * "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27)

 * Reflection:

   * How do you currently observe the Sabbath? Does it provide a true sense of rest?

   * What does Jesus' statement in Mark 2:27 teach us about the purpose of Sabbath?

 * Action Step: Plan one activity for this week's Sabbath that will specifically help you rest and connect with God – try something different if your usual practice doesn't feel restful.

Prayer Prompt: Lord of Rest, help me to truly embrace the Sabbath. Show me how to find refreshment and renewal in this time set apart for you. Amen.