Rest Your Brain
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Rest Your Brain – Women’s Devotion
Do you ever play games like Sudoku or Wordle, and find that your brain starts to hurt as you search for which letter or number goes where? Sometimes I’m convinced there are no right answers. But then I step away for a while and rest my brain, and when I come back to the puzzle, that answer is obvious. How did I not see it?
I’ve been playing life brain games lately (usually at 3 a.m.), running scenarios in my head and grappling for answers that I can’t seem to find. “How in the world is this going to work out?” “What’s the right choice to make?”
If you have ever done the same, you know how debilitating that worry can be. The next time you can’t figure out the answer—step away for a while and REST your brain (I can’t resist a good acrostic).
Remind yourself that the God of the universe has all the power and all the answers.
I get so caught up in daily conundrums that I forget about the enormity of eternity. God has a big picture power and perspective, and He is working out all the answers behind the scenes and for my good. Here is one of my favorite reminders:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
Express your emotions to a Savior who loves to listen to you.
What a relief to be able to share deep feelings with a Friend who already knows me and loves me completely. Christians throughout the centuries have poured out their hearts to God, and it can be powerful to read through their words in the Psalms of lament (here are just a few you can check out in their entirety):
Psalm 6
(My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, Lord, how long?)
Psalm 38
(All my longings lie open before you, Lord;
my sighing is not hidden from you.)
Psalm 130
(Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.)
Seek counsel (and hugs!) from the people God has put in your life.
I’ve received some great hugs recently. What a blessing to be able to physically experience Jesus’ love in that way! I’ve received some really good counsel too. One wise friend reminded me that just like he did for the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17), God will provide exactly the resources I need to get through every day. Friends who point to God’s Word are a treasure.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17
Thank God for the blessings that are clear and the struggles that are good.
One way to rest your brain is to switch your perspective. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have and don’t know, name a few of the gifts you do have and the promises you do know. Thank God for your family, for flowers, for forgiveness (that’s just the letter “f”). And just like puzzles strengthen our brains, we can be thankful that God can use our struggles to strengthen our faith.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
Next time you find yourself trying to solve something that seems unsolvable, let yourself REST in the promises and gifts of God. When you come back to the problem, you may find God has led you to an obvious answer. And if you’re still waiting for a solution, know that while you wait, you are not alone.
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Thank you for being a God of rest. For all the blessings you give, this one is a treasure! Remind me to take time to reflect on who you are and how you expressed your great love for me in sending Christ to die in my place, paying the price for my sin. Help me learn to express my emotions in a healthy way and connect with the believers you’ve given me for support and counsel. Thank you for being a God who is strong and wise enough to use even my struggles for my good. Continue to teach me and help me always rejoice in the free gift of salvation which covers me with grace, peace, and love. Amen.
Written by Sarah Reik
