Sometimes when we long to see something good happen, we start to think we have to “be” a certain way in order to convince God to help us. So we spend a lot of time focused on the things we need to say, do, or perform.

But the Lord has a different purpose in His heart. With Him, we don’t have to get everything right—He just wants to be our Father and hold us in His arms. That is the best thing for Him, and it is the best thing for us. There are many other things we could do, but that one is the best.

Here are a few things you can discuss with the Lord this week. Think of them as “conversation starters.” Spend time with Him, and listen for His voice. Get in the habit of journaling what you think He’s saying to you.

Journaling Point #1: He can be trusted.

Trust in the Lord completely,
and do not rely on your own opinions.
With all your heart rely on him to guide you,
and he will lead you in every decision you make. (Prov. 3:5 TPT)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. (Prov. 3:5 GNT)

Think of one thing you’re afraid of right now. Take that thing before the Lord, and ask Him how you are depending on your own understanding in that area. Write down what He tells you.

When the Lord shows us how we aren’t depending on Him, this isn’t a reason for sadness. Instead, we get to rejoice because it means things can change. Life is coming in the very area that used to be held captive by fear.

For further reading: “How to Keep Your Heart Charged Up in Hard Times”

Journaling Point #2: He’s your shield.

The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. (Ps. 28:7 NLT)

Today, acknowledge where God stands: between you and your enemies. Think about what a shield is and what it provides for the one who knows how it works. Ask the Lord to tell you more about Psalm 28:7—specifically, some things you haven’t seen or understood yet.

For further reading: “Why You Don’t Need to Be Afraid”

Journaling Point #3: He’s the God of rest. 

Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, says:
    “Come back to me! By returning and resting in me you will be saved.
    In quietness and trust you will be made strong…”

For this reason the Lord is still waiting to show his favor to you
    so he can show you his marvelous love.
    He waits to be gracious to you.
    He sits on his throne ready to show mercy to you.
    For Yahweh is the Lord of justice,
    faithful to keep his promises.
    Overwhelmed with bliss are all
    who will entwine their hearts in him,
    waiting for him to help them. (Isa. 30:15, 18 TPT) 

Some of us try to make our relationship with God much harder than it needs to be. He just wants us to return to Him and rest in Him, to be quiet with Him, trusting in Him with all our hearts. That’s the answer for hardship, and it is how we come face to face with the salvation of the Lord. When we choose His lap instead of striving, when we allow Him to take care of us, it’s a beautiful kind of worship. Ask God to talk to you about resting in Him and what rest looks like practically.

For further reading: “Resting in God in Times of War”

Check out some of our recent devotions:

• January Devotions: Choosing the Lord Because He’s Good

• Starting Your Year Off Right

• Realigning Your Heart with God’s

• Simple Reminders of God’s Character

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.