Stay late at work. Volunteer at church. Connect with my parents on the phone. Complete a freelance writing project (pro bono, of course). At one point in my life, I said “yes” to nearly every opportunity and request that came my way. By the time I laid down for bed each night, I struggled to find rest, with the craziness of my day always circling my mind.  

This cycle of busyness quickly wore me down. But for some reason, I continued to jump into new commitments. Why? Because I love playing hero. I long to be dependable. And I fear disappointing others. The result left me scrambling for the strength to survive the workweek—and often times, to survive the weekend.

About a year ago, I had to face my “yes man” mentality head on. My life had changed dramatically: I married my wife, transitioned jobs and moved from the suburbs to the city. As I adjusted to these changes, I realized that I couldn’t possibly keep saying yes; I would run the risk of falling apart altogether. So I called out to God for the strength to say, “No,” and the freedom to find rest.

Of course, this new mindset didn’t come easy. But the more I relied on God, and the more I studied his Word, the more I felt at peace saying the elusive, two-letter word: “No.”

Can you relate? Maybe you’re like me and you run yourself ragged before you disappoint others. Maybe you fear rejection; if you say, “No,” you wonder if anyone will trust you again. Maybe you feel worthless if you don’t fill your life with busyness. Maybe you envy a peer who effortlessly commits to every opportunity that comes her way. Regardless of your backstory, the word “yes” leaves your mouth more than you wish it did.

If this is you, join me in reciting these three prayers:

1. Lord, help me to find rest when I’m burnt out.
   The apostles returned and met with Jesus, and told him all they had done and taught. There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his disciples didn't even have time to eat. So he said to them, “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while.” So they started out in a boat by themselves to a lonely place.– Mark 6:30-32 (GNTD)
2. Lord, help me to find time to speak to you each day.
   But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.– Matthew 6:6 (GNTD)
3. Lord, help me to please you first and others second.
   You like to receive praise from one another, but you do not try to win praise from the one who alone is God; how, then, can you believe me?– John 5:44 (GNTD)