How do I practically define resting in God’s goodness?

How do I practically define “resting in God’s goodness” in my daily life? I understand the concept in theory – trusting in God’s provision, acknowledging His benevolent nature, and releasing anxieties. However, I struggle to translate that into tangible actions and thoughts throughout the day.
Specifically, what does “resting” look like when I’m facing a stressful deadline at work, dealing with difficult family relationships, or struggling with feelings of inadequacy? Are there specific practices, mindset shifts, or devotional exercises I can incorporate to more consistently experience and embody this “rest”? How can I differentiate between genuine “resting” and passively avoiding responsibilities or difficult situations? I am looking for specific practical advice, not just theological definitions.

Answer

Resting in God’s goodness is a state of being where you find peace, security, and contentment by consciously acknowledging and trusting in God’s inherent character of love, grace, mercy, and provision. It’s not merely a passive inactivity but an active, intentional choice to ground your thoughts, emotions, and actions in the reality of God’s benevolent nature. It involves shifting your perspective from focusing on your own limitations, fears, and circumstances to focusing on God’s power, promises, and unwavering care.

Practically, you can define and cultivate resting in God’s goodness through the following actions and attitudes:

1. Intentional Reflection on God’s Character:

• Meditate on Scripture: Regularly read and reflect on passages that highlight God’s goodness, love, mercy, and faithfulness. Examples include Psalm 23, Psalm 103, Lamentations 3:22-23, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 2:4-7, and 1 John 4:7-21. Consider specific attributes like his patience, kindness, justice, and omnipotence.
• Remember Past Blessings: Recall instances where you experienced God’s goodness in your life, both big and small. Keep a gratitude journal and write down specific ways God has shown up for you, provided for you, or protected you. Review these entries when you feel anxious or uncertain.
• Observe God’s Creation: Spend time in nature, appreciating the beauty and order of the natural world. Recognize that creation itself is a testament to God’s creative power and benevolent design. Reflect on how God provides for all creatures and sustains the universe.

2. Cultivating a Mindset of Trust:

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contradict God’s goodness. Replace them with affirmations based on Scripture and God’s promises. For example, when you feel afraid, remind yourself of Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
• Practice Gratitude: Regularly express gratitude to God for all that you have, even in difficult circumstances. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you possess, fostering contentment and peace.
• Release Control: Recognize that you are not in control of everything that happens in your life. Surrender your worries and anxieties to God, trusting that he is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). This involves actively choosing to let go of the need to control outcomes and trusting God’s plan, even when you don’t understand it.
• Seek God’s Perspective: When faced with challenges or difficult decisions, seek God’s guidance through prayer and discernment. Ask him to reveal his will and give you wisdom to navigate the situation.

3. Engaging in Practices that Promote Rest:

• Pray Consistently: Communicate with God regularly, expressing your needs, gratitude, and concerns. Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and experience his peace.
• Practice Sabbath: Set aside a specific time each week for rest and spiritual renewal. Disconnect from work and other obligations and focus on spending time with God, enjoying his creation, and connecting with loved ones.
• Limit Exposure to Negativity: Be mindful of the information you consume and the influences you allow into your life. Limit your exposure to negative news, social media, and toxic relationships.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Spend Time in Community: Connect with other believers who can encourage and support you in your faith. Share your struggles and victories with them and receive prayer and encouragement.

4. Actively Choosing Faith over Fear:

• Focus on God’s Power, Not Your Problems: When facing challenges, remember that God is bigger than any problem you may encounter. Focus on his power and ability to overcome obstacles, rather than dwelling on your own limitations.
• Speak Words of Faith: Use your words to declare God’s goodness and promises over your life. Speak words of faith, hope, and encouragement, rather than words of fear and doubt.
• Act in Obedience: Obey God’s commands and follow his guidance, even when it’s difficult. Trust that he knows what is best for you and that obedience will ultimately lead to blessing.
• Serve Others: Extend God’s goodness to others by serving them with love and compassion. Helping others is a practical way to demonstrate God’s love and experience his joy.

Resting in God’s goodness is a journey, not a destination. It requires intentional effort and a willingness to surrender to God’s will. There will be times when you struggle with doubt and fear, but by consistently practicing these principles, you can cultivate a deeper sense of peace, security, and contentment in God’s unwavering love.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

My heart feels restless, yearning for a deeper connection with you. I struggle to understand what it truly means to rest in Your goodness. How do I practically define resting in You?

Help me to see it not as mere inactivity, but as an active surrender. Show me how to lay down my anxieties, my to-do lists, and my worries at Your feet. Teach me to trust that You are working, even when I cannot see the path forward.

Open my eyes to recognize Your goodness in the everyday moments – the warmth of the sun, the laughter of a child, the kindness of a stranger. Help me to savor these blessings, knowing they are gifts from Your loving hand.

Grant me the wisdom to discern the difference between striving and thriving. Help me to relinquish the need to control everything, and instead, embrace Your perfect timing and plan for my life.

Show me specific actions I can take each day to cultivate this resting place within: Perhaps it’s spending time in quiet contemplation of Scripture, perhaps it’s taking a mindful walk in nature, perhaps it’s simply pausing to breathe deeply and acknowledge Your presence.

Lord, empower me to truly define resting in Your goodness not just with words, but with a transformed life, a life of peace, trust, and abiding joy in Your unwavering love.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.