I was having a really bad day — the kind when getting out of bed felt impossible. I lay there, worried and hopeless, unable to shake the heaviness.
Then my daughter Salma came in and said something that has stayed with me whenever a day goes wrong.
“Mommy, I went to the guest room and I prayed. I told God everything that was on my mind and I felt better,” she told me.
In that moment I felt God speaking through her. He was inviting me to pray, to lay out my worries and thoughts, and to find relief.
I listened. I went into the guest room, shut the door, and, alone with God, I spoke candidly about everything in my heart. After that conversation I felt lighter and more at peace.
Prayer isn’t always my instinct when life gets hard. I tend to try to solve problems on my own, relying on my own limited understanding. But God’s wisdom far surpasses mine.
I’m learning to seek God first — to pray before I overthink, to pray before I make plans. When I do, I hand my burdens over to Him, and that’s why I feel lighter.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30, NLT
Have you told God everything that’s on your mind? Don’t just think about it — pray about it. Don’t only talk about your worries — bring them to God. Don’t let anxiety be your response; let prayer be.
Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.
If your heart feels heavy or you’re walking through a difficult day or season, take time to tell God everything. Be honest and specific. He cares and is ready to help.
You don’t need a special place: whether you’re alone in a room, sitting in a bathroom, or waiting in your car, you can tell God what’s on your heart and find comfort.
From then on, whenever life grows difficult, I go into that quiet room, shut the door, and talk with the Father.