Breathe and Relax: 5 Bible-based principles that will help you rest in the Lord
Article By Mary Jackson // EEW Magazine // Spiritual
Have you been feeling depleted of energy, constantly worked up and exhausted because you have too much on your mind, and your plate? If so, it’s time for spiritual replenishment.
You need to breathe, rest in the Lord and trust Him to do what only He can. In order to help you do that, EEW Magazine Online is presenting five biblical principles to preserve your peace and strength, so you can thrive.
#1 Follow the example of Jesus: Luke 5:16 CEV says, “But Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray.” Jesus, who was God wrapped in flesh, wasn’t “on” all the time. Even He needed quiet moments to give Himself over to prayer and get some rest—and so do you. It’s okay to unplug and shut the world out for a while in order to replenish in the presence of God.
#2 Live in the moment: “Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today. (Matthew 6:34 CEV) Trying to predict future outcomes and obsessing over what’s to come will quickly stress you out. The Bible tells you to live in the moment, focus on today and take things one day at a time. And don’t forget that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will take good care of you.
#3 Give the Lord your burdens: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NIV) God, unlike you, never gets stressed or sick and tired of dealing with your problems. The Lord has given you a standing invitation to come to Him when you feel tired, pressured, weighed down and battered. Take Him up on His offer and watch Him take that weight off your shoulders.
#4 Be patient: “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7 NASB) It seems like almost everybody wants to rush through the process and see transformation right away. But there are divinely designated seasons of waiting, testing and faith-building that you can’t get around. If you are stuck in the waiting place, it’s alright. Just take this opportunity to run into the arms of Jesus where you’ll find rest for your weary soul. Then, at the appointed time, breakthrough will manifest.
#5 Stop trying to do everything. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6a NASB) You will come up against problems that you can’t fix all by yourself, no matter how hard you try. Put those things in God’s hands and you will see Him do what you can’t.
Follow these precepts and meditate on the word of God. Trust Him to be your source and your guide in all things. Then and only then will you be able to breathe and receive restoration for your soul.
