Week 5 Finding Rest in Christ

Welcome to Week 5 of our devotional journey, focusing on sustaining a stress-resilient lifestyle. In this workbook-style blog, we will explore practical exercises and reflections to deepen your understanding and application of the principles discussed, focusing on cultivating Sabbath rest.
Point 1: Building Resilience Through Faith
Scripture Focus: Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."
Reflection:
Contemplate how faith in God can strengthen resilience. Reflect on the profound truth that God delights in you, calms your fears, and rejoices over you. How does knowing this bring strength during challenging times? When we identify God's hand over our lives, we identify what He blocked from happening. 
Exercise:
Write down three specific instances where you felt God's presence calming your fears or strengthening you. How did these experiences shape your faith and resilience?
Point 2: Cultivating a Lifestyle of Sabbath Rest
Scripture Focus: Psalm 23:2 (NLT)
"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters."
Reflection:
Dive into the concept of Sabbath rest beyond Sunday worship. Explore how intentionally setting aside time for rest and rejuvenation contributes to a stress-resilient lifestyle. How does resting in God's presence restore your soul? Finding peace in the midst of adversity becomes a state of normalcy when we stay connected to God and the Holy Spirit. Staying connected requires intimacy, and intimacy requires continued touchpoints back to the father. 
Exercise:
Designate a specific time each week for Sabbath rest. Reflect on activities that replenish your spirit and bring you closer to God. Create a Sabbath routine that incorporates prayer, meditation, and activities that nourish your soul.
Point 3: Maintaining Boundaries for Well-Being
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Reflection:
Reflect on the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries for your well-being. Consider how guarding your heart and setting limits in relationships, work, and personal life contribute to your overall health and resilience.
Exercise:
Identify areas in your life where boundaries are needed. Write down specific boundaries you can set to protect your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Practice communicating these boundaries with love and firmness.
Point 4: Embracing Flexibility in the Midst of Challenges
Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
Reflection:
Explore the role of flexibility in managing stress. Reflect on how trusting in Christ's strength empowers you to navigate challenges with resilience. How does surrendering control to God bring peace in difficult situations?
Exercise:
Think of a recent challenge or obstacle you faced. Reflect on how relying on Christ's strength helped you overcome it. Consider ways you can cultivate a mindset of flexibility and trust in God's provision in future challenges.
Point 5: Continued Growth and Learning
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)
"Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life."
Reflection:
Embrace a mindset of continuous growth and learning. Reflect on how seeking wisdom and expanding your knowledge contribute to a resilient and stress-ready life. How does humility foster a posture of learning?
Exercise:
Commit to a learning goal for the upcoming month. It could be reading a book, taking a course, or seeking mentorship. Reflect on how this pursuit of wisdom enhances your resilience and capacity to handle stress.
Conclusion:
Congratulations on completing Week 5 of our devotional workbook, the final week of our Finding Rest in Christ devotional series. May the insights and practices shared here deepen your understanding of Sabbath rest and resilience, enabling you to live a life anchored in faith and peace. As you continue your journey, may you find rest in God's presence and strength in His promises.