A Prayer To Return and Find Rest

How often we need to hear a word of invitation from God, “Return.”  

Sometimes the word used is “repent” but the principle is the same.  We need to stick with God.  We need to follow step-by-step in the things God shows us.  We need to constantly rely on God’s wisdom and power to help us navigate whatever the day is bringing in front of us.

All to often, in our modern world we get trapped by the false message that we need to be self-sufficient and figure things out on our own.  So many people lives in quiet desperation every day because they do not seek the loving care of God. 

There’s far too much change and unpredictability in our world these days.  We need the steadying help of our God whose loving plans and presence never change and who invites us today, as He always has, to experience the best of this day by doing it with Him.

Gracious is the Lord, and [consistently] righteous;

Yes, our God is compassionate. The Lord protects the simple (childlike); I was brought low [humbled and discouraged], and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Psalm 116:5-7

Thank you God, for your willingness to meet us at our place of need – whatever that need is.  You are so generous and compassionate towards us.  No one cares for us like You do, paying attention to us when we are not even paying attention to what we need to.  When we get discouraged, You lift us up and save us. 

You’d do so much more for us too if we would only come to You for your encouragement and help.  We get away from being childlike and trusting and put ourselves through so much more difficulty and harshness than You ever intended for us to experience. 

You want to be there with us through all our challenges.  You want to show Yourself strong on our behalf.  You want to hold us close and care for us, particularly when things are tough. 

In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confident trust is your strength. But you were not willing.  Isaiah 30:15

So today, once again, we remind ourselves that You are God and that You are with us to give us rescue and a place of refuge.  We want to enter into that quietness and stability that comes from knowing all is well because we are assured of being in Your care.  Help us to be willing to admit our weakness, our not knowing enough, our being powerless in the face of difficulties and temptations and then give us the humility and grace to invite You to come and work You loving power in us and in the circumstances that surround us. 

As the verse reminds us, we return to You today. We rest in Your saving help because You are our Lord and You are good to us.  Amen