Winter is often the season we associate with barrenness, both in nature and in our lives. But as tonight's prayer and devotional remind us, any season can leave us feeling drained, as if we are stuck in our circumstances and cycles of thinking. Summer is equally capable of making our souls feel empty, especially if the months did not go as planned or we are in a phase of waiting on God. Our hope wanes alongside the decreasing days of summer.

If we are exhausted at the end of this season, we need rest. This might seem counterintuitive, since for many, the natural urge is to jump into action and deliberate on how to fix circumstances and change life's trajectory. Yet, we can do the most by doing the seemingly “least” – laying our concerns at the feet of our Lord (1 Peter 5:7). He has promised us rest when we come to Him, and that is what our soul needs in this time – not more frantic searching for answers or plans.

Sometimes, though, we must remind our souls of this necessity if we are to find renewal. The Psalmists often did this in their prayers to the Lord and rallied their souls to attentiveness. For instance, after encountering a sickness that almost led to death, one Psalmist wrote, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” (Psalm 116:7, NIV). Sometimes, we need a reminder to speak to ourselves and encourage our souls to find hope in God (see also Psalm 43:5). It can be easy to forget about the Lord’s love and goodness during a time of desolation.

Let us, then, take all our burdens to Christ tonight, confiding in Him about our weariness and feelings of being stuck. He can lift the weight of worry from our shoulders and give us the rest we so desperately need. Yes, our souls may need a little nudging. But we will find refreshment when we lean into the strong arms of our Savior.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Lord,
I’m tired and ready for change. The end of this summer has left me feeling as if I am stuck in place and that nothing will ever change in my life, including my thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. These situations are too much for me, God. And I bring them to You tonight because nothing is too big or difficult for You. Take these burdens; I lay them down now at Your feet, and I grasp the promise of rest found in You, Jesus. That is what I yearn for most of all. Yes, my soul, find rest in your Savior.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. A time when you carried something heavy. What was it, and how did it make you feel when you finally set it down? How might you incorporate this image when you think about resting in Christ from your burdens?

2. The story of someone in the Bible who felt “stuck” in life, such as Naomi (Ruth 1-4) or Hannah (1 Samuel 1). Is there a certain part of their lives that encourages you in this season?

3. Words from someone (written or spoken) that strengthened your hope in the past. What were these words, and how might remembering them renew your faith today? Consider telling yourself this truth in Psalmist fashion by addressing your soul: “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2, NIV).

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