What an effective and simple statement!
It indicates that, apparently, something is also being asked of me, and that I cannot just wait for my circumstances to change or for someone else to do something for me… I will have to go to the Lord Jesus myself so that I may receive His rest.
I also experience this in my relationship with the Lord: He is there for me but also expects a few things from me:
That I believe in Him, but also believe what He does and says
That I trust in Him, even when things do not go the way I want or had expected
That I serve Him; exactly as I am, but from the right heart attitude
That I follow Him…as a disciple
That I stay in contact with Him…by praying and reading the Bible
That I tell others about Him…who He is and what He has done for us
Every day I come to repentance anew and place my life in His hands. Without God, my life has little value: who am I without Him? What is it all about then? In my grief, I feel that I cannot live without God.
One of the hardest things in my life is seeing God’s hand in the world around me. That, despite the darkness, there is also Light. Having the confidence that everything will eventually turn out well and that I can find peace again.
Sometimes I really have to protect myself from bad news, disturbing online images , or from people who are very negative. Then I quiet everything around me and seek peace in the Lord Jesus. Or I go outside to feel the wind, see the birds flying, see the sun shining….
I ask God: ‘Lord, how can I change?’ Or ‘change my heart, Lord’
Then I ask, in prayer, to change whatever makes me doubt or whatever makes me anxious. So that I can continue living from hope and faith, even during the period of sorrow and mourning.
Workbook
I don’t know what your usual way of praying is, but I would like to suggest that you try praying in a different way:
- Look for songs on the internet that you can sing along to and that feel like a prayer to you. After all, prayer is also praising God.
- Write your prayer on paper for a few days… yes, writing with a real pen and not on the computer or phone! By consciously writing down the words, your prayer can already feel very different…
- Create a small spot in your home where you can place a thick candle. Every morning, before you start your day, light the candle and pray to your Father.
Talk to Him from your heart. It is not about beautiful words or the ‘right way’ of praying. If you don’t know what to say or you feel too emotional, just sit by the candle and be quiet.
