In today’s fast-paced world, filled with stress and anxiety, many of us are searching for peace and rest. Often, we forget that true rest, which brings us a sense of security and inner harmony, comes from our relationship with God. Resting in the Lord is a gift that opens our hearts to God’s presence, providing us with peace regardless of the difficulties we face.
One of the wonderful tools to discover rest in the Lord is keeping a journal. It can become a space where we hand over our worries to God, pray, reflect on His word, and seek the peace that surpasses all understanding. So how can we find rest in the Lord through journaling? Here are a few inspiring ways:
1. Expressing Worries and Fears Before God
Journaling gives us the space to openly write down our worries, fears, and struggles, and then entrust them to God. This can be a form of prayer in which we express our emotions and ask God for help. For example, you might write:
- “Lord, I feel overwhelmed by what is happening in my life. Help me trust that You are in control of my situation. Please grant me Your peace.” Writing down your emotions helps to release their weight, and entrusting them to God allows you to feel relief and rest.
2. Meditating on God’s Promises
An important element of journaling can be writing down Bible verses that speak of God’s care and peace. Regularly reminding yourself of these words helps us rediscover rest in His promises. For example, you could note:
- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) Reflect on how these words apply to your life and how they can bring you rest, knowing that God cares for you.
3. Gratitude as a Path to Rest
Write in your journal about the things you are grateful for. Gratitude helps us focus on God’s blessings, which leads to a sense of peace. You might write:
- “Thank You, Lord, for all the little things You give me every day. Thank You for a peaceful morning, for my health, for my loved ones. I feel that with each passing day, Your presence gives me more and more peace.” Practicing gratitude helps us find joy and peace in daily life.
4. Asking for God’s Peace
While journaling, you can also pray for peace. Ask God to fill your heart with a sense of security, love, and rest. You might write:
- “God, please grant me peace in my heart. I want to rest in Your presence, even during difficult times. Help me trust that everything is in Your hands.” In this way, by journaling, you actively seek God’s peace, which comes when we hand over our worries to Him.
5. Reflecting on Moments of Rest in Daily Life
A journal is also a great place to notice and write down moments when you feel rest in the Lord. It could be a time of prayer, silence, time with loved ones, or simply a moment in nature. Write these moments down:
- “Today, when I was taking a walk, I felt calm. It was a moment of rest in You, Lord. Thank You for this time.” By doing so, you learn to see God’s presence in everyday life, which brings rest.
6. Noticing God’s Answers to Prayer
Journaling also helps to notice how God responds to our prayers. You can write about how God works in your life and guides you through challenges. This way, you feel you are resting in His plan, even if everything around you seems uncertain:
- “God answered my prayer and showed me how to handle a difficult situation. I feel more at peace, knowing that He is working in my life.”
7. Cultivating Silence and Quiet
Journaling can also be a way to quiet yourself and immerse in God’s presence. Write down a thought, question, or word that you direct to God, then take a moment to listen in silence and wait for His response. Sometimes, rest doesn’t come from speaking, but from listening to God.
Summary
Journaling is an effective practice that helps us find rest in the Lord. It’s a space where we can hand over our worries to God, meditate on His promises, thank Him for blessings, and notice His presence in our lives. Resting in the Lord doesn’t depend on external circumstances but on our willingness to open our hearts to His peace.
I encourage you to start journaling and make it a space where you find rest, trust, and the peace that God wants to give you. Trust Him, hand over your worries, and He will give you rest.
