R.E.S.T in God's promises: Finding Peace Amidst Life's Challenges

Are you feeling weighed down by the relentless pressures of life? Do you find yourself wrestling with self-doubt, anxiety, or a sense of inadequacy that seems to suffocate your spirit? If so, know that you're not alone.

This post is for anyone grappling with feelings of unworthiness, doubts, fears, and insecurities; battling inner demons that scream words of defeat, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Know that you're seen, heard, and valued. Amid the chaos, a gentle whisper calls out to you, not just as a break from the daily grind, but urging you to find rest in God’s arms.

This is a safe space for you.

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Identifying the Struggles

This week felt particularly challenging for me. I found myself grappling with feelings of disappointment, shame and worthlessness. The weight of these emotions felt so suffocating, and I even sought help from therapists to navigate this difficult season.

Amid my struggles this week, I constantly checked in with God to confirm that I wasn’t alone. In one of those times, God reminded me of his promises to me, in another time, He reminded me of the countless others who have faced similar battles, grappling with their insecurities and fears. Today, he nudged me to Rest; prompting me to share this message with others facing similar challenges.  

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Rest and Trust in God’s promises

In times of uncertainty and doubt, finding rest is essential for our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Prolonged stress and anxiety affect our health and hinder our ability to trust in God’s ability to fulfil His promises.

Imagine watching a suspense-filled movie with the scriptwriter by your side. You’re on the edge of your seat, anxious about the outcome. Now picture the scriptwriter noticing your anxiety and kindly promising you that the story ends well. Wouldn’t you then continue to watch that movie more relaxed? This is exactly how God, the ultimate scriptwriter of our lives expects us to feel- relaxed, confident and certain when He has given us promises for our lives.

Throughout the Bible, we encounter stories of individuals who rested on God’s promises and His faithfulness amid their struggles. One of my current favorites is Gideon. He was chosen by God to lead the Israelites in battle against the Midianites. God promised to be with him every step of the way but between the communication of that promise and the day of the battle, Gideon had to struggle with his valid feelings of fear and inadequacy. At last, as a result of Gideon's obedience and trust, God delivered a great victory for the Israelites.

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Waiting

There are times when God makes promises to us, ushering in a season of waiting- the period between the communication of the promise and its manifestation. Our father, Abraham, endured a lengthy wait of 25 years, for the fulfilment of God’s promise of his son. Similarly, King David waited 15 long years from the day he was anointed to become king, while Anna the prophetess, waited 8 years to meet the Messiah she had been promised. Even Jesus waited 30 years before beginning His ministry. These stories remind us that waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled is an inevitable part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to define us.

During these seasons of waiting, the devil may sow seeds of doubt and uncertainty in our hearts. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that God calls us to rest in Him- to find peace amidst the storm.

So, just as a child trusts that their father will keep his word, God desires for us to have that same unwavering faith in His promises. As we wait for the fulfilment of His promises, we are called to draw closer to Him, find rest and assurance in His Word and prepare for the manifestation of His promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfil what He has spoken.

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Failing to Rest

Apart from the unnecessary stress, burnout, anxiety and health challenges we endure when we fail to rest and trust in God’s promises, other serious consequences follow. The Israelites, God’s chosen people learned this the hard way during their time in the wilderness. God had promised them the Promised Land of Israel, yet they sent spies to scout the land. 10 of which returned with negative reports that caused the people to forget all God had done for them, and filled them with doubt and fears, leading to grumbling and rebellion against God.

God naturally felt angry by their disbelief and this delayed the fulfillment of His promise. God punished the unbelieving generation to wander in the wilderness until they all died before the next generation could enter the promised land. This serves as a sobering example of how doubt can hinder us from experiencing God’s promised blessings.

Failing to rest in God’s promises hardens our hearts and makes us insensitive to God’s voice, causing us to doubt His love, power and faithfulness. It leads us to rely on our strengths and wisdom, rather than resting on His perfect plan. 

Resting assured in God’s promises, however, ensures that we can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that God is working all things together for our good because we love Him- Romans 8:28. Resting in God’s promises doesn’t mean that we do nothing. It means that we work diligently while trusting in His timing and provision. By following His lead, wherever it takes us, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of His blessings and see the manifestation of His power. This kind of rest is a powerful weapon against the devil’s schemes to steal our joy and derail/delay us from God’s purposes. 

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R.E.S.T challenge

So, this week, I challenge you to include the R.E.S.T challenge in your daily routine. Here’s how you can do it:

· Release: Set aside at least 30 minutes every morning before you start your day for intentional rest and reflection. During this time, identify any challenges or worries weighing on your heart. Literally, visualize pulling them out from your chest and handing them over to God. He wants to give you rest in exchange for your burdens.

· Embrace: As you release your burdens into God’s hands, smile and observe the peace that washes over you. God has taken control.

· Seek: Quiet the voices in your mind and listen for God’s promises, whether spoken in your heart, written in the Bible or conveyed through a worship song. Be attentive.

· Take: Write down the promises you receive for reference purposes. Visualize the version of you that is living those promise(s), allowing them to shape your outlook and actions. Take hold of hope.

And that’s how you REST actively rest in God’s promises!

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Conclusion

Your struggles are not unique. You are not alone. The journey of waiting is never easy, but "If you stop trying in times of trouble, you are really very weak."- Proverbs 24:10

Pause. and reflect on your journey. What challenges have you faced that have left you feeling weary and in need of rest? Share your personal experiences in the comments section and how you have found rest in God’s promises. By sharing your stories, you can encourage others who may be walking a similar path.

Always be happy. Pray at all times. Whatever may happen to you, continue to thank God. God wants you to do that because you belong to Christ Jesus- 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18.