Have you been feeling like life’s struggles are on repeat? Are you stuck in a cycle of hopelessness that’s left you exhausted? Then it’s time to stop, friend. Let’s breathe and refocus.
My son’s soccer team stood face-to-face with their undefeated foes. As their acting coach (and I use the word coach loosely), I dreaded the next 45 minutes. I had no clue how to guide them, and only stepped into this volunteer role as a favor. Yet here we stood on a sunny Saturday morning with an insurmountable task ahead of us.
The whistle blew. The other team’s best player quickly scored the first goal. My son took the place of goalie because our usual goalie was on vacation. Of course. After that first point on the scoreboard, my sweet 9-year-old couldn’t get the ball kicked far enough to reach our other players waiting to take it back down the field. The opposing team was just too tough. They stopped the ball every time.
Over and over the scene played out. It was like a recurring bad dream. He kicked. The other team blocked. They scored another goal. Honestly, I can’t remember how the cycle finally ended. I choose to believe God had mercy on our weary hearts.
It’s been many years since that day, standing on the sidelines watching the agonizing pattern on repeat. I wanted to do something to make it stop. I wanted to hit the reset button on our day, but I couldn’t help. I didn’t have the wisdom or the strength. Now as I think back on that fateful game, I realize something.
I can still be that weary mom on the sidelines. Exhausted and overwhelmed, yet day after day, continuing the same frustrating pattern.
In Acts 3, Peter and John approached a lame man laying at the temple gate. Day after day this man experienced the same heaviness and pain in his life, but Peter and John offered something he hadn’t seen or heard of before. A reset. Hope and healing in the name of Jesus. The man received a miracle, then Peter spoke to the crowds, calling them to turn to God, “that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus” (Acts 3:20).
Times of refreshing. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? We all need those, and God’s presence will provide them.
Psalm 51:10 encourages us, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Each day we have a choice. God will renew us from the inside out when we call on Him in the midst of our weariness.
Ever notice how exhaustion doesn’t happen all at once? It builds up one play at a time, until you feel unable to take another step. The instant we recognize it, we need to turn to God and ask for a reset. Like the man who walked away from the gate a new creation in Christ, we too can find renewal by asking God for a fresh start. His powerful presence will free us from destructive patterns like hopelessness, frustration, or exhaustion.
Have you been feeling like life’s struggles are on repeat? Are you stuck in a cycle of hopelessness that’s left you exhausted? Then it’s time to stop, friend. Let’s breathe and refocus. We can use this prayer to guide us when we need a reset.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Ridofranz
A Prayer for When You Need a Reset
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lately life has brought one struggle after another. I’ve felt like I’m facing the same foe again and again, and I can’t break the cycle no matter how hard I try. I’m exhausted, Lord. Thank you for letting me turn to You in prayer. When I feel tired and frustrated, You offer the reset I need.
I come to You as a worn out woman today. Ready to forfeit. I keep hoping for a victory over those things I’ve been praying about, yet I get weary with all the difficulties of life. Anytime I stand against my enemy in my own strength, I know I will fail. Only You provide the power to sustain me through my biggest battles. Reset my perspective, Lord. Remind me that you are my “strength and my defense” (Exodus 15:2). When I stop trying and instead focus on You as my source, I will discover freedom from defeat.
Discouragement has been on repeat in my life these days, and I need Your renewal more than ever. Your Word says in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Reset my heart, Lord. Renew me from the inside, just like the promise of this verse. Thank You for the hope that brings restoration to my weary heart.
The story of how You healed the lame man at the temple inspires me with fresh hope. Day after day he sat begging, until Peter and John showed him and the people the hope of Your son Jesus. Father, forgive me for my sins. I need Jesus to be at the center of my heart and life. Reset my attitude, so like the healed man, I can be a testimony of Your mercy.
Finally Father, reset my joy. I’ve let frustration over recurring problems affect what others see in me. I long for the kind of joy only You can give. The joy that shines a light to the people around me. I cannot go through another day feeling like there’s little chance for a win. Your joy changes everything. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds me of this truth. Your mercies are “new every morning.” I can start each day knowing You are with me. You give me comfort, offer hope, and restore my joy.
So whatever this day brings, I choose to face it with a new perspective, a restored heart, a fresh attitude, and more joy. Thank you for a much-needed reset, Father. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who is breathing new life into me right now as I pray this prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Predrag Images
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This article is part of our larger Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayer for God's Help
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
