Session 14

Where to find rest for a weary soul

From Preparing Your Heart to Lead: A 28-Day Devotional

We’ve all experienced bad things happening to good people. When a close friend is mourning the death of her 4-month-old baby, it’s easy to wonder, “If God is good, how could this happen?” 

God did not promise life would be easy or without pain. The Bible often reminds to expect hard times and struggles. 

David, one of Israel’s most famous kings, wrote Psalm 23. Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, was not exempt from unimaginable seasons of grief and pain.  

As Jesus’ followers, we are often like sheep — sometimes confused, like runaways searching for the right path in all of the wrong places. But like a good shepherd, Jesus leads us and guides us throughout life. 

Jesus will provide for our every need, give us rest for our weary souls, restore us, make us new, and lead us to the right path. As sheep, we look to the shepherd for help. As group leaders, we learn how to guide people through pain from the way Jesus leads us. 

When we allow Jesus to constantly refresh our souls, we have peace to give to others (Psalm 23:3). We can experience settledness even in scary and challenging circumstances by placing our trust in Jesus.    

As leaders, Jesus hasn’t called us to be the perfect example or to have it all together; He has called us to follow Him — through the valley of the shadow of death to the green pastures and still waters.

So allow Jesus to guide you as you guide others. Lean into those who may be hurting, encourage them to trust Jesus, and ask God to restore their souls. Expect the Lord to show up and provide the rest, comfort, and strength only He can give. 

Reflect:

• Has there ever been a challenging time in your life where you felt God’s comfort?
• How did God provide for you during that time and how was your faith strengthened? 
• Are you going through a difficult time right now? Do you need to experience the ultimate comfort, rest, and love that only Jesus can give? If so, pray to Him now and ask for His comfort. Don’t be afraid to share your situation with others, so they can join in and pray for you, too.