“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving everything you promise, including hope and rest. And yet we are pretty good at sabotaging many of your good gifts to us, and we do so by talking more to ourselves more than we include you in the conversation.
Help us follow King David’s example in his bold affirmation and redemptive self-speak. On this Monday in September, free us from our self-preoccupied monologues, for dialogues shaped by your kindness, mercy, and grace. Teach us to address our hearts with words shaped by your truth, goodness, and beauty. May we say to ourselves…
“Anxious self, find your calm in Jesus, alone. Take your restlessness to the One who gave you birth and new birth. Surely you can trust him who gave you a new heart and his perfect record. Jesus won your peace, and is your peace. He is at work, right now, in all things for your good.”
“Vulnerable heart, don’t plug your “joy-cord” into mere people. Don’t hitch your fulfillment-wagon to burros without legs. Only Jesus knows you thoroughly, and loves you totally. He is all you need, and you really are his.”
“Angry me, how much energy are you wasting blaming, “should-ing,” and resenting? You’re acting like a stranger to Jesus’ mercy, grace, and love—like you don’t actually have a heavenly Father who loves and cares for you. Get back home.”
Jesus, thank you for freeing us from posing and pretending. Thank you bidding all restless, weary, and heavenly burden ones to come to you for true, deep rest. So Very Amen.