Sometimes, even when we know the truth that God loves us and He will provide, we still worry. Those are times we can put our worries in Jesus’ hands, take a break from our worries, and free ourselves to rest and refresh.
When Jesus was telling us not to worry in Matthew 6:25-27, He wasn’t telling it to us as a command to inflict guilt or shame if we do worry but to encourage us. He was saying we don’t need to worry because if God takes care of the flowers and feeds the birds—which people don’t even pay attention to—how much more will He take care of us, who are more valuable than they are?
So, you see, Jesus wasn’t indicting us for worrying. Instead, He gives us a powerful and beautiful strategy: Look at the birds. Look at the flowers. See how beautiful they are. In other words, when you worry, turn to look at something beautiful. Take a break and do something that feeds your soul. Be reminded of how special and important you are to God! It is such a freeing and beautiful message of rest and refreshment from Jesus.
We don’t need to feel guilty for worrying or get down on ourselves about it. Rather, Jesus invites us to give ourselves permission and turn away from what stresses us and do what refreshes us. He invites us in Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
Sometimes, we can feel overwhelmed thinking we have to overhaul our lives to be free of worry, but it can take just 5 minutes. You can detox from stress, get refreshed, and do a little bit of soul care.
Soul care with Jesus is what I had to learn on my personal journey to heal from anxiety and panic attacks. To my delight, I researched and discovered 40 different ways to detox from stress and refresh my spirit using uplifting Scripture to spark joy with simple soul care and prayers to restore peace with God’s love.
Here are three of them you can use to de-stress and find rest:
1. Pray a breath prayer.The minute we stress is a special opportunity to invite Jesus into our day and be refreshed. A powerful, simple way is to pray a breath prayer. It is a contemplative prayer practiced by the early church to experience God’s peace, practice the presence of God, and “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
An example of a breath prayer:
Inhale and whisper the name of God you connect with—“Good morning, Jesus.”
Exhale and whisper how you feel or a request—“I love you” or “Help me today.”
2. Read a printed book.
Put away your electronic devices and breathe. Turn some actual pages. A great way to rest and relax is by unplugging and reading a good book. Research shows that reading a printed book (it helps more than reading on your tablet) is the best way to relax, and even six minutes can be enough to reduce stress levels by more than two-thirds, according to research carried out at Sussex University. Snuggling up with a good book returns rest and tranquility to your brain and body as you get lost in a story and unplug from constantly multitasking during the day, which is exhausting.
3. Listen to a worship song.
Songs give us a simple way to practice the presence of God—to call us back to Him during the day. Music is also used in therapy to uncover hidden emotional responses in children, helping them find words to express themselves. Music therapy is not just for children. Music helps us pray without words. It is shown to bring calm and comfort and alleviate pain. When you feel too stressed to pray, put on a favorite worship song and let God whisper words of rest and love to you.
***
God is making all things new in you. Don’t wait until your life is work-free or problem-free before spending time on what really matters: loving and nurturing your spirit. Let Jesus hold you and your worries all together so you can take a break and choose what’s better: feeding your soul. Step out. Be renewed. Be loved.
Dear Jesus,
I’m worried about too many things.
Give me the courage to lay down burdens You never intended me to own.
Give me courage to choose what’s better for me today— to simply rest.
I choose You. Amen.
To read more simple soul care tips from my journey to rest in God’s love, check out my 40-day devotional, Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God’s Love to Revitalize Your Soul.
Michele Morin says
Hi, Bonnie, I really appreciate the fact that your tips involve our whole person as we touch the pages of book and expand our chests to fill our lungs with air and let our ears and our hearts work together to enjoy the message of our music.
Blessings to you as you continue to encourage women to live in health and wholeness.
Bonnie Gray says
Thank you, Michele, for your beautiful words of blessing! It’s my heart ministry to encourage others to experience health and wholeness! 🙂 And so beautiful that wellness does involve all our senses – and we often get the (wrong) message that if we know the truth, than we “ought” to feel better and no longer worry. But, Jesus is so loving. The truth invites us to then take action to refresh ourselves physically, emotionally and Jesus knows to feel better, he invites us to refresh by enjoying and awakening all our different senses! have a wonderful day, friend!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Bonnie,
I, too, used to think that Jesus’ command not to worry was an indictment if I found myself worrying. With having an anxiety disorder, I tend to worry more than the average person. How far from the truth. The Lord KNOWS we ARE going to worry and He offers those words as comfort, not condemnation. Praise for a God who “get’s us” – after all He created us. I love the breath prayer and calling on the name and power of the name of Jesus can be transformational. I like to breathe Jesus’ name aloud, because at the name of Jesus, the enemy who prays on our worrying, must flee. The enemy can’t read our thoughts, but he can hear the name of Jesus and he must flee. Praise music is one of my “go-to’s”. So many times I’ll play it while in my kitchen and before you know it my sudsy hands are raised in worship of Him. Again, refreshment. Thank you for some simple, but powerful tools to go to when worry comes knocking….and it will.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bonnie Gray says
Bev, it’s so wonderful how God’s words become more loving and kind and gentle as Jesus personally speaks to us in a way that matches what we need and how we feel. Love hearing about your Praise music go-tos!
Karen van Rooyen says
Bonnie,
I believe you are God’s messenger specifically for me today! I had such a stressful day yesterday and found myself wondering how I would get through today. Your message and three tips are just what I needed to face today with confidence. Thank you for sharing and continued blessings to you.
Beth Williams says
Karen,
I highly recommend Bonnie’s book Whispers of Rest. I’ve read it & did the Bible study so helpful. She has more great tips to help you get through these times. Others have read the book several times. Such a great read. You can also join our Facebook page & comment along with others. I pray these suggestions help you.
Blessings 🙂
Bonnie Gray says
Aw.. Beth! Thank you so much for your words of book recommendation for Whispers of Rest! 🙂 That is the highest honor – to be recommend to friends and kindred spirits! And to know it helped your heart get refreshed in a real way is a gift – and shows how powerful God’s love is to us through research-based and Scripture-inspired soul care!
Bonnie Gray says
Thanks, Karen! I’m so happy to hear that the soul care tips spoke to your heart and breathed a breath of sunshine for God’s peace for you – today! As Bev shared, I think you’ll love Whispers of Rest, as you’ll enjoy a simple tip infused with God’s words in scripture, based on science and research to cheer you on and lift your spirits! Blessings and waving hello from CA!
Melinda S says
I love your words today! I’m going to try all 3 suggestions! I’m reading a “real” book about REST, so I’m hopeful! Thank you for taking the time to share your heart to us today!
Bonnie Gray says
Thanks, Melinda! These 3 are my go-tos that I do everyday to enjoy emotional wellness. They really work!! I can’t wait to hear how you feel from practicing them just today & what you experience!! Go, Melinda! 🙂 So happy these soul care tips spoke to your heart and breathed a breath of sunshine for God’s peace for you! If you find you enjoy those tips, I think you’ll love Whispers of Rest, as you’ll enjoy a simple tip infused with God’s words in scripture, based on science and research to cheer you on and lift your spirits! Hugs from CA!
Melinda S says
Thank you for your reply! And I wanted you to know that I already happened upon your book as I was researching REST. I already downloaded a sample from Kindle weeks ago and LOVED it….definitely one I will get and use in my new journey of rest. Thank you!
Sandra says
Bonnie,
Thank you so much for this! I have felt guilty about worrying in the past, but I, too, have found ways that help me win over worry and stress, very similar to yours! I hadn’t ever called it a breath prayer, but that is what I do so often when I feel overwhelmed with stress or worry. I once tried to encourage someone in a reply here on (in) courage to do this, but after I typed it up and submitted it, it almost sounded new age. I breathe in Jesus and breathe out what is stressing me in a prayer. Why couldn’t I have written it in a couple of sentences like you just did? I also really like your “read a book” way to detox. I am an avid reader, and have embraced my Kindle Fire; I have more ebooks than I could read in a lifetime…most of them free or under $5.00! I also have my Bible on my phone that I read whenever I have a chance when I’m in traffic, etc….but during my quiet time, there is just something about having my Bible physically there and spending time in the Word without the distractions of notifications of incoming emails, texts, etc. Thank you for showing me why it’s different from when I read it on my Kindle or phone! AND PRAISE MUSIC! Wow, there’s nothing like praise songs to help you get your soul in sync with the Lord! I’m also assuming one of your ways in your devotional book is Phil. 4:6-7. It’s a verse that has come to mean so much to me when I start letting worry into my life. I look forward to reading your devotional. Thank you for sharing, and praying you have a fabulous day practicing the presence of our Lord.
Bonnie Gray says
Hi Sandra, thanks for sharing so many ways you’re experiencing God’s peace and presence – and how your soul care tips look like in your life!! what a beautiful relationship you enjoy with Jesus and it’s expressed in ways that are unique to *you*! God’s voice is so personal! Enjoy your day, friend!
Ines K.V. says
Thank you for reminding us to cast all worries and anxieties on Him.
Bonnie Gray says
Thanks, Ines – for sharing a moment this moment together. May you know you are beloved to Jesus, as He welcomes us with arms open to may you feel his heartbeat next to yours, as you rest in His embrace. love from CA to you, friend!
Sarah Geringer says
Lovely tips, Bonnie. I especially like the breathing prayer tip. I love reading printed books, but I didn’t know until today that they are proven to relieve stress. Thanks for sharing this stat!
Bonnie Gray says
Thanks, Sarah! I know, huh? When I did the research for the book, I was SO happy and did a totally cheer about the printed book – it gave me permission to definitely spend time enjoying and refreshing my soul with God’s peace – through reading printed books! I didn’t know why I love printed book so much. I enjoy them like cookies. and I always feel happy when I hold a book! 🙂 These 3 are my go-tos that I do everyday to enjoy emotional wellness. They really work!! I can’t wait to hear how you feel from practicing them just today & what you experience!! and if you find you enjoy those tips, I think you’ll love Whispers of Rest, as you’ll enjoy a simple tip infused with God’s words in scripture, based on science and research to cheer you on and lift your spirits! sending you a sunshine hello from CA!
Beth Williams says
Bonnie,
I loved Whispers of Rest. I have recommended that book to many. We live in a very stress-inducing world. Constant motion, check social media, etc. God specifically asks us to slow down & take time for soul care. Love the breath prayers. They are simple & easy. My best way to de-stress is worship music. My aging dad’s dementia got worse. He had to be hospitalized again. Feeling all the stress & anxiety that goes with that I chose worship music. On a Sunday morning I got you tube clicked on Stephen C. Chapman & danced in my kitchen. I was praising God to “Live Out Loud” “Let us Pray” “Dive” & “Love Come Over Me”. It was freeing. Felt really good & ready to handle the situation. Thank you for these suggestions they are great! I know you have helped many women go through some tough times.
Blessings 🙂
Penny says
Bonnie,
Sitting with my son in the hospital last week with out a phone, or a TV allowed me regain focus. I could feel the Lord’s comfort, and any prior worries lifted. I was (am) so grateful to Him and to finally bring my son safely home. And then came the news of tragedy after tragedy. We might not have control over what’s to be, but we can lift it to the Lord, trusting in Him. Grateful for your beautifully written post today Bonnie, thank-you. I have been breathing those deep breaths a lot lately.
Blessings to all,
Penny
Bonnie Gray says
Penny, thank you for sharing such a tender time for your heart during this very trying time for your son and your family. May I pray for you? Dear Lord Jesus, my heart goes out to Penny, as a mom whose heart and mind and body are now vigilant over her son’s health. Assure my friend to take time to rest and refresh, even if it’s for 5 minutes, so she can receive the touch of your love and peace. So she can take that breath and feel your hand in hers. Then, bring her close to your heartbeat as she leans into you – and she’ll find that in your arms, is her beloved son – whome you love and are watching over. Take care of her son and Penny. In jesus’ name. Amen.
Christine says
Bonnie, you’re the best! This is just what I needed to read. Been feeling stressed and stuff spiraling out of control. And you are right about reading a novel. It always works for me. Being a cat lover (and owner) I got hooked on Cat Who… mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun. I de-stress at night by reading it before I go to bed to get away from the blue light of the computer screen.
But most of all, just sitting in my prayer chair and spending time with Jesus is the fastest way to feel calm again. I have a special upholstered chair that is in the corner of my room by the window with a bookcase on the other side and a floor lamp behind it. Then I have a basket on the floor where I keep magazines, journal and books to read.
Have a wonderfully blessed day, Bonnie.
Bonnie Gray says
And now, Christine, you can enjoy your mystery novels knowing Jesus is right there with you – all smiles seeing you get lost in a book, as He whispers, “Enjoy, my beloved daughter. Read on and rest!! I love seeing you so happy!” I loved researching and finding all these wonderful ways to spend time with Jesus when I was writing my book and it’s changed my whole day. smiles and hugs from CA to you!
Christine says
Thank you so much, Bonnie, for responding. It means a lot to me! Thanks again and Thank you, Jesus, for giving us Bonnie Gray!!
Becky Madison says
Thank you, Bonnie! We never stop needing reminders.
I appreciate your tips as I approach writing a blog post of my own on “nourishing” our loved ones. The way we nourish our souls is often neglected, and I hope to delve into it more for my readers.
Blessings!
Bonnie Gray says
I can tell we are kindred spirits! Becky, you’re sensitive to hearing God’s voice and have a longing for nourishing others – by nourishing yourself!! May God bless your heart and your words as they pour out in your blog writing to readers!
Paula Blake says
POWERFUL! needed this today!
Pearl Allard says
These are great ideas! Thank you, Bonnie. I’ve always loved reading real books. So nice to know research backs up the benefits! Blessings.
Renee Dahlen says
Just what I needed to hear today, Bonnie………Always enjoy your words of wisdom.
Nancy Ruegg says
“Turn away from stress and choose to refresh–with Jesus.” Thank you, Bonnie, for this gentle reminder. And being partial to printed books, I was delighted to read the research that says relaxing with a book is the best way to de-stress. Hallelujah! 🙂
Shari says
This is wonderful! Thanks, Bonnie
Dena Courtney says
Bonnie,
Thank you for this as i needed to read this and be reminded. i was recently in the hospital for what i thought was a heart attack when i went in but after testing realized it was Stress and Anxiety, as diagnosed by the doctors. i did not know that you could carry so much stress and anxiety and not even know it. I have what i feel is a close relationship with Jesus and never once did i feel my stress so i did not pray for him to help with it. This just reminds me that it is important to remember the things you said even when we do not feel stressed…because as i found out… when we least expect it, we are!it sneaks up on you and you wonder where it came from. As i was in the hospital, i prayed over and over for Jesus to help me through. As I did not know exactly what i had in front of me so many times my prayers were simply…”Jesus, Help…” and I know he was there! he was seeing me through. And, now a few weeks later… i am still looking to Jesus to ease my anxiety and stress…as he is the constant that without fail can ease my anxiety when i am feeling it!
Thank you for this Bonnie! it was perfect timing for me to read this!
Dena Courtney