“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday we talked about finding joy through prayer. Today I want us to find rest through prayer. In our key verse, God gives us rest by refreshing our souls. Do you need physical rest? Are you tired of waiting on someone or something? Are you in a spiritual or physical battle? Does your soul feel heavy and burdened? Or maybe you don’t know where or how you need rest. 

Notice Ray’s picture of a bridge over a pond. According to Merriam-Webster, a bridge is a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle. Just like this bridge helps us cross over the water, God guides us along the right paths. Will you be swimming or taking the bridge today? Allow Him to lead you beside the quiet waters. Let’s pray.

Father, Thank You for the seasons of every activity, including rest (Ecclesiastes 3:1). When I need physical rest, I want to be still as You guide me to quiet places and refresh my soul (Psalm 23:2-3). When I’m in a time of waiting, I want to be still in Your presence, waiting patiently and confidently for Your perfect plan to unfold (Psalm 37:7). When I’m in battle mode, I can be still, knowing that You will fight my battles for me (Exodus 14:14). When my soul needs rest, I can come to You with my burdens, and in Your gentle, humble heart I can find rest (Matthew 11:28-29). When I do not know what kind of rest I need, Your Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf according to Your will (Romans 8:27). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.