Does your heart ache for the Lord’s voice? Maybe it’s been a while since you heard Him, or you have to make a decision and you’re desperate for His help.

Or maybe you feel “distant” from Him, and when you think about Him, you actually feel a little depressed. That can happen when we’re super busy. Sometimes there’s so much going on, and we know He’s important, but it’s like we don’t have space to think about Him right now. 

If any of this sounds like you, keep reading! Here are a few great—and SHORT—reminders of who God is and how you can rest in Him.

When We’re Trying Too Hard…He’s Rest for Weary Hearts

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matt. 11:28–30 NASB)

Take a deep breath and—for just a moment—try to relax and listen to your heart. When you read Matthew 11:28–30, what do you notice? What stands out to you? Here are some things to consider:

• You are invited to draw close to God’s heart.

• He wants to take all the heavy burdens and give you rest.

• Your God is gentle and humble in heart.

• He doesn’t want to load you up with jobs to do for Him. Instead, He wants to give you a “light” burden—something your heart will love.

• He is your best place of rest.

When We’re Struggling…He’s Renewed Hope

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him. (Ps. 62:5 NIV) 

According to Psalm 62:5, there is a connection between rest and hope. When we rest in Him, hope begins to fill us up. Here are a few things to think about:

• The Lord is the answer to human weariness.

• True hope doesn’t come from external things. It simply comes from God.

• You are invited to rest in the Lord. This is a good thing for you to do, and it comes with many benefits.

When We’re Exhausted…He Sustains the Weary

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me round about. (Ps. 3:5–6 NASB)

Here are a few thoughts to consider based on Psalm 3:5–6: 

• The Lord takes care of you.

• He sustains you in times of attack.

• Because of the Lord, you don’t have to be afraid.

• Even when the world says you SHOULD be afraid, you get to be courageous.

• God is the One you need when life is terrible.

• God is the One you need when you’re freaking out.

When We Feel Desperate…His Presence Is Life

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Ex. 33:14 NASB)

The next time you feel afraid, desperate, lost, confused, alone—here are a few things to remember:

• In the Lord’s beautiful presence, you get to live the way He made you to live.

• You always get to live fearlessly, because He’s with you.

• He cares about rest and your heart.

• Your heart is so important to Him.

• You are more precious to Him than you realize.

Prayers for Rest

If you want to reconnect with the Lord but you aren’t sure how, here are a few prayers to help get you started. You may want to pray them several times over the next few days, copy them onto your phone, or write them in your journal.

Father God, I need Your rest and Your presence in my life. Please draw me closer to Your heart and help me to hear what You’re saying.

God, my heart is weary. I need Your voice. Please help me to hear You again.

Father, please come and be with me. (Note: God is always with us. He promised never to leave us or forsake us, but sometimes the act of asking Him to be with us can shift things in our hearts and help us “notice Him” more.)

Father, please open my eyes to see how You are supporting me.

God, I don’t know what to do. I have a problem and I don’t know how to fix it. Please give me wisdom to solve this problem.

One Last Thing… 

Precious child of God, you are dear to your Father’s heart. He hasn’t left you alone, and He understands you even when no one else does. On those days when your heart feels hard or cold or distant toward Him, He loves you simply and gently and tenderly, and nothing in His love will ever change.

Interested in more prayers and declarations? Check out some of our other posts:

• The Lord Is Tenderly Leading You (Prayers and Declarations)

• A Good Reminder for the Discouraged (and Single) Heart

• Planting Seeds of Peace in Your Life (Prayers and Declarations)

• God’s Heart & Your Desires for the Future (Prayers and Declarations)

For more information on sex, marriage, and finding the person who is right for you, get a copy of Becoming the One by Salomé Roat. Click here to learn more. The book is also available in Spanish.