Has this new year already taken a toll on you? Are you feeling stressed? Maybe you get easily frustrated and you’re not sure why?
I have one question for you – are you reading God’s Word regularly?
When we intentionally spend time reading the Bible that is where we find direction, rest, and strength. It becomes easier for us to discern God’s voice and enables us to live more at peace, no matter what our circumstance may be.
If the new year brought more stress into your life, go to God with it! He will take the weight of your stress off of you and give you peace. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (NLT) God cares for you and He is a safe place to cast all of your worries, frustration, and fears.
When we do this, though, it is important that we listen to the guidance God gives us. Often when we go to God with worry or a problem He will tell us what needs to be done on our part to resolve that issue. At that moment we have a choice because we may not like the action we need to take, even though it is the right one.
Reading the Word during times of unease in our lives is also helpful because we find verses like 1 Peter 5:7 that we can stand upon to trust God. If we don’t know what is in the Bible we can’t act on it, and that means we will be stuck feeling stressed and worn out.
Your heavenly Father is inviting you today into His rest, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT) Spend time in God’s Word today, hear from Him, receive His peace and direction.
Don’t let anxiety or exhaustion keep you from God’s plans for you this year. Seek him, read the Bible, and immerse yourself in the rest He freely gives to us all.
