I’m so busy. I tell myself I’m going to rest, but I rarely do. I tell myself I’m going to exercise, but I make excuses. I tell myself I’m going to start saying “no,” but “yes” just feels more natural.

Over time, I start to feel hopeless as I dart from one commitment to the next. I overlook signs of burn out. I ignore my wife’s encouragement to slow down. And I progressively wear down until I have nothing left. And then I crash.

Can you relate? Maybe you work a demanding job, parent three children and lead a small group at church. Maybe you recently moved to a new home, jumped into a new job and began caring for your elderly parents. As you make your way through the busyness of each day, you smile for everyone to see—but beneath your smile, you feel discouraged, overwhelmed and desperate for rest.

When I reach my own whit’s end, I often fall on my knees and call out to the Lord in prayer, asking for the strength to endure another day. Through his Word, I find the courage to slow down, find rest and break free from the bondage of busyness.

If you need a break from life today, join me in reciting these three Psalms:

1. Psalm 18:31-32 (CEV)
   You alone are God! Only you are a mighty rock. You give me strength and guide me right. You make my feet run as fast as those of a deer, and you help me stand on the mountains.
2. Psalm 73:26 (CEV)
   My body and mind may fail, but you are my strength and my choice forever.
3. Psalm 142:1-3 (CEV)
   I pray to you, LORD. I beg for mercy. I tell you all of my worries and my troubles, and whenever I feel low, you are there to guide me…