Finding True Rest in Jesus: How to Navigate Unrest and Anxiety with Faith

I feel like I'm going a mile a minute and fighting for who knows what and I don't know how to stop it, take a breather and be still. I am tired. Feel exhausted, weary and anxious. I am overwhelmed.

I'm praying, asking God for direction, asking God for guidance, I'm wanting to relocate, find a new job. I am trying to take control, I keep praying and praying and praying over things and I just feel like God is not listening and NOTHING happens. I feel like I am not being heard and seen by God. Feelings of unloved and unwanted are pouring into my head. You know, I mean, am I even worth it? Is this even worth it?

I am doing my devotionals, my bible studies, I am praying, writing in my prayer journal, praising and worshiping the Lord, you know I am doing "all the things". I think I am doing all the things right, I think I am spending time with God, I am praying, but I just feel unsettled, I just feel unrest, I just feel like man what is this all about?

And on top of all that, I am dealing with physical ailments, uncontrolled migraines, and working through emotional trauma and healing, I'm like when is enough, enough?

I feel UNREST.

According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, Unrest is defined as a lack of rest, a disturbed or uneasy state, turmoil.

Have you ever felt like that, UNREST?

You're going through the motions, doing all the things, you think you know how to relax and rest, but you don't? You just don't know how to. . .

 Where does this stem from? Why am feeling like this? Why does it seem like I have to do everything all at the same time RIGHT NOW?

Decisions, decisions, decisions all the day long. Why do I get anxious about getting to the metro station and waiting for the train? Having to find a spot to sit? Why is this train so packed today? Why is she/he looking at me? I am bothered by people. Then I have to drive home and navigate the evening rush hour, to continue working at home because now I have to cook dinner, then clean the kitchen, eat, sit for a bit, shower, and prepare to go to bed . . to do it all over again the next day and then the next day and so on and so forth. The weekend comes and it's filled with house chores, laundry, grocery shopping, errands, church on Sunday and in a blink of an eye its Monday morning all over again. UGH!

When did I have time for 'me-time'?

Yesterday, I cried out in desperation to God in my prayer journal and wrote exactly how I was feeling. Feelings of a heavy anxious heart, desperate, sad, hopeless, fearful, worried, not trusting God, wanting to take control, impatient. To sum it all up: UNREST. That's how I feel! Unrest . . . I mean, is there something wrong with me? I know God is faithful, a promise keeper, miracle worker, protector, and a provider. And He has come through for me before in providing me with everything that I needed. But I tend to grow impatient and want answers now. Especially when there's a timeline ticking.

In last night's devotional, I read Psalm 4:3, "Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself, the LORD hears when I call to him." (NIV). It talked about lost connection. So, even though, I thought I was doing all the right things with doing my devotional and bible study time, I was NOT really sitting down to connect with God in solitude and silence. I was NOT seeking His presence. I was NOT being still. I was NOT sitting at the well to hydrate and feed my soul. I've been ignoring the nudges in my spirit that told me to slow down, be still, bask in My presence, we haven't talked in awhile, come to ME, I am here.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." What a beautiful, gentle, yet simple reminder of who Jesus is and the reason why He came and died on the cross for us.

I was convicted in my spirit and immediately through my anguish, desperation, and sobbing state, I came to the well. Cried out to God and prayed:

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes for the LORD, who made heaven and earth" Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)

I repeated these 2 verses over and over again. Again, I expressed to God how I was feeling. I told Him that I am trying to let go of the burden and give it to Him but I can't, it keeps coming back. Help me God! Help Me! I need You.

And this is what I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me:

"Slow down. Shut the outside world out.

Be still. Be present. Be in the moment. Be silent.

Just come to me and bask in my Presence. I am here, can't you feel me?

Don't worry about anything else. Stay focused on me. Breathe. Relax.

Be still in My Presence."

The LORD, met me right where I was at and within a few seconds, I felt that calmness, tranquility, and peace that He can only give (John 14:27 ESV). I praised and thanked Jesus for meeting me right then and there, for letting me experience His presence, for experiencing the Peace that I needed. And asked for forgiveness for getting caught up trying to do all the right things and forgetting what was most important, to stop, be still, and seek His presence.

Friend, I don't know if you are currently experiencing or have experienced the feeling of UNREST. But, can I encourage you to invite Jesus into your situation? He promises to give you rest if you let Him! Amen.

Here are a few of my favorite verses to recite:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6 ESV

"cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 ESV

"for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you." John 14:27 ESV

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3 ESV