It’s Time to Begin! Rest and Release Resources {Week 1}

Join Good Morning Girls as we read through the Bible cover to cover one chapter a day. Here are the resources you need to study Rest and Release. #Biblestudy #RestandRelease #WomensBibleStudy #GoodMorningGirls

Cue the Confetti!  It’s time to begin. I am so excited to begin the Rest and Release Bible Study with you!  We are about to embark on a wonderful journey together.

If you are reading this on Sunday – stop – get your candle out – light it and say a prayer for your week!  If you are reading this on Monday – get your candle going AND begin your Bible reading for the day.  All of the resources you need for your study are below!

{If you don’t have your Rest and Release Study Guide yet – get it now – it’s at its lowest price – just $9.89.}

Here’s the Printable Bible Bookmark

Here is this week’s Bible Reading Plan:

Here are this week’s Personal Reflection Questions

Day 1
What is distracting you? Is there something that is making you feel anxious or troubled? Identify it and ask the Lord for wisdom on how to release it so you can love Him more.

Day 2

In what area do you feel like Satan keeps knocking you down? How can you take a stand against the enemy’s schemes this week?

Day 3

Is there something that is depleting you that you need to take a long rest from? Pray about this concern and seek godly counsel if you are unsure.

Day 4

What has worn you down? In what area of life, do you want to sharpen your ax?

Day 5
Are you battle weary and in need of a time of withdrawal so your soul can be restored? How can you make that happen this weekend?  

To print the 20 Reflection Questions for Rest and Release  click here.

This Week’s Challenge: Stop

One definition of the word “rest” is to stop working or movement in order to relax, refresh and recover strength.

Are you tired and weary?

Are you exhausted mentally, emotionally, or physically?

Stop.

It’s time to stop working.

Stop movement.

Relax.

Refresh.

Recover.

And release.

It’s time to rest.

But how? How can we do this in the midst of real life with really full calendars, really full to-do lists, and real people with real needs right in front of us?

15 minutes a day. Commit to giving the Lord 15 minutes a day to follow through on the scripture readings, prayers and challenges in this study. God’s Word is alive and active! He will transform you as you turn to his son Jesus, the one who laid his life down for you on the cross, so you can lay your life down and find rest.

Let’s get started!

 

Week 1 Challenge

Go buy an extra large candle and light your candle everyday in your home. Each time the glimmer of the candle catches your eye, stop and say a prayer for peace.

 

I will be starting my candle in the morning but you can start yours at dinnertime or whenever is convenient for you. I will be placing mine in the kitchen – the main hub of my home.

{Share your pictures of your candle on Instagram by using the hashtags: #RestAndRelease #WomenLivingWell and #GoodMorningGirls}

The Verses of the Day:

I encourage you to choose which verse you’d like to memorize or meditate on.  The printable below includes all 5 verses of the day — for the entire week!  Print and cut them out and put them in the bathroom, kitchen, beside your bed and computer and use them for meditation throughout the week.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Click HERE to print the Verses of the Day for Rest and Release Week 1.

Here’s another explanation of the SOAK Bible Study Method and Bible Coloring Chart if you need more guidance:

Here is the SOAK method I refer to in the video:

SOAK graphic

And the Bible Coloring  Bookmark:

Bible Coloring Chart Bookmark 2Click HERE to Print the full page Coloring Chart
or here for the Bookmark Coloring Chart

Here are the highlighters, pens and pencils I refer to in the video:

Bible Hi-Glider Highlighters
Multi-Colored Gel Pens
Crayola Twistable Colored Pencils
ESV Inductive Study Bible

Don’t Miss the Daily Check-Ins on Facebook and Instagram!

Join us EVERY weekday morning after 7:00amEST on Facebook
to discuss the day’s reading assignment.

Join the GoodMorningGirls community by following me on  Instagram .
Share your insights using the hashtags:
#GoodMorningGirls, #WomenLivingWell or #RestAndRelease.

Have a wonderful week in God’s Word – I’ll see you back here this Wednesday and Friday on the blog, as we go deeper into God’s Word together!

**Chime In**

Introduce yourself in the comment section below.  Tell us where you are joining us from and one thing you need to rest from or release to the Lord.  We are in this together.  We’d love to meet you!

Walk with the King,

Courtney

 

This journal is available exclusively on Amazon
in both Paperback and Kindle.

I’m also excited to share that this Bible Study Guide has been translated into Dutch by Annelies and Belgium by Evie and Dutch by Eve!  Hooray!  Thank you to these amazing translators.  Great job girls!

We are also being joined by GMG Croatia, GMG Norwegian, GMG Kenya, GMG Indonesia, GMG Mexico, and GMG UK.  If you know someone who can benefit from any of these free translations – please give them these links!

 This post contains affiliate links.

142 Comments

  1. Good Morning Courtney! This is amazing, I am so happy I found you, and so excited to begin this journey. I have my book ready, my candle is burning as of this morning. Thank you! xo

  2. This is good timing! My sweet daughter in law has to have open heart surgery on October 3. I am flying up to take care of their 4 small children. Recovery will be hard and long. I am getting a candle for her too and we will do the study together when she’s able. Prayers are welcomed and for me as well that I don’t have a lupus flare and I’m able to care for the children.

    1. Praying Gods Healing ,peace and strength for you and your precious family at this difficult time Meg. God be with each one of you. Blessings Catherine Australia

    2. Meg,
      I will definitely keep your daughter in law in my prayers – Prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!!
      I am also a Lupus warrior and completely understand your need for prayer. Don’t forget to listen to your body and rest when you can, so you don’t overdo it and end up in a painful flare.
      You are in my prayers too!
      Mandy Wood ????

    3. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His promise,that is at work within us. to Him be the glory for all He has done, is doing and will do.

  3. Got my candle lit in Alabama! I’m very weary! Family relationships need healing! I’m at the bottom and need God’s direction, wisdom and His love through this! Prayers please! ????????
    I’m looking forward to this study! Thanks so much for sharing! ????????

  4. Good morning! I’m excited to start this bible study. My husband and I are both overwhelmed right now. We are starting the process of getting licensed to be foster parents. We are very excited but also overwhelmed at everything we have to do to prepare. We definitely need some rest!

    1. God bless you as he prepares you and also the children you will care for. All in his perfect timing He goes before you every step of the way.

  5. Good morning Courtney! Thank you so much for this study. Very excited to begin! I have my “Be Thankful” candle from Yankee Candle lit and included you in my morning prayers❤️

  6. Looking for a way to get back on track with the lord! Im happy to have saw your post, I am going to make this commitment! I need prayer for healing in my heart and to let go of what is weighing me down. And to help me forgive.

    Thank You

  7. Good morning from Mississippi, I am weary from financial problems. Whatever I make it is not enough to catch up and go forward out of debt. I am weary of the phone ringing day and night from collection agencies. I am praying for Deliverance and wisdom to move forward.

    1. God bless this precious woman, give her wisdom and strategies. Lord as she pursues you through this study give her an encounter with you that will turn her life around. You alone are the source and sufficiency of all she needs.

    2. Hi Bonnie,
      I to am dealing with financial issues right now along with just weariness in general. I will lift you up! So glad to have this study as a resource!

  8. I’m happy to be starting this journey with you all. Part of me is thinking, can I do this? Can I really rest? Can I release all that is on my plate right now? This study will be a challenge for me, for sure. Praying to God that He takes over and opens my clenched hands that don’t want to let go…
    Anyone else feeling this way?

    1. I think many of us right across the world are asking these same questions. Let’s look forward in anticipation of what our amazing God can and will do through this timely study. Blessings.

  9. I am following along from Montana! We have been in a season of huge upheaval since January of this year… we are hopefully closing on our house this week in a new state so rest and r elease is a real struggle for me… this is such good timing!

  10. I’m following from Nevada. I’m looking forward to this study because I need rest and release about our finances.

  11. I have my candle in the middle of my kitchen island. I love lighting it before I start cooking dinner and leave it burning into the evening. 🙂 Can’t wait to get started this week in God’s Word!!

  12. Candle ready in California! So looking forward to this study! My name is Rochelle, please call me Shelly. I have many things to release to the Lord and I’m ready to rest in the Lord. This is going to be amazing!

  13. Good afternoon Courtney,

    I am lighting my candle from New York and so looking forward to this, I need to learn how to rest and say no and just enjoy the life with my family. Thank you for doing this study.

  14. I’m lighting ny candle in PA! I’m a junior in high school and really need to learn how to take breaks from the never-ending activities and responsibilities I have to juggle. Thank you so much! And happy reading everyone! ❤

  15. Lighting my pumpkin frosting candle from Southern Missouri. Lots of work and family stress! I look forward to this study.

  16. Hi, I am following from Newport, South Wales in the UK. I need rest and release from our finances as well.
    I haven’t done an online bible study before and am looking forward to it.

    1. Hi, Pam, I live in West Sussex and have done several of Courtney’s studies before. They are really good, you will enjoy it. The Facebook group is also good.

  17. I’m lighting my candle from South Africa and l’m so excited to do this, l really need to learn to release and rest and enjoy life with my family.

  18. I’m Melissa. I live in Iowa, transplanted from California. I got a brand new (to me-thrift store find ????) ball candle and I’m planning to read first thing every morning. It’s been awhile since I’ve done an online Bible study. I’ve missed it, and I’m looking forward to this. I’m not much of a morning person so I’m going to need some prayers for the next four weeks. ❤️

  19. Hi there. Sharron joining from Texas. I am seriously needing rest and release from several life struggles, and I am really looking forward to this Bible study in hopes of being able to do just that.

  20. It is not by accident I came across your study late last night Courtney. I am following from Australia, this study is Gods perfect timing. The past twelve months have have been very difficult for my husband and I due to him having major cancer surgery and now other unrelated major health issues. Just dealing with life has brought me to a place where I felt I was drowning but I believe this study is God throwing me a lifeline. Today is the first day of 2 weeks leave I have from work so what better way to start my day than sitting at his feet just like Mary. I truly need Gods peace and calm in the midst of my storm so thank you also for the candle challenge, a beautiful reminder to pray for peace. Blessings Catherine

    1. Prayers for your husband and for you, Catherine! My husband had major surgery in early September, and will need another surgery in early November. It’s not cancer so I haven’t felt that struggle, but I can relate slightly to how exhausting it is. I hope your husband is recovering well and you will have a restful two weeks off. My daughter and I are both doing the study in Pennsylvania.
      Blessings,
      Missy

      1. Thanks Missy my husband had prostate cancer then complications and 2nd surgery most recent tests all clear praise God. Now needing surgery on his wrist then full knee replacement scheduled early January. Believing God for healing and refreshing as I am also battling some long term health issues as well. Desperate for breakthrough. Amen

  21. Good afternoon from Louisiana!! I am excited, encouraged and ready to follow along in this Bible study! Looking forward to getting closer to God and being in a better place with Him! ????

  22. My candle is ready here in Maryland. It’s Yankee Candle’s Pumpkin buttercream. I know it smells good enough to eat!

  23. Hi Courtney! This is Gwen from Oklahoma. I’m so happy that you are back. I have missed you! I have my candle going now and excited to begin tomorrow. I’m really to release all the stress and worries of the past few months. My husband has been having a lot of health issues and then I was sick for 5 weeks with respiratory infection. So I’m ready to release it all. And enjoy my favorite time of year with my family.

  24. I’m so excited to be a part of this study group. There are several things that I need to release and be able to rest. I trust and believe that God will make a way.

  25. Good Evening Courtney! I am SOO Glad you are back! I have been really looking forward to this day! I am joining you from California, and I need to release my health concerns to the Lord and my fears of not knowing what the future holds. My family has been going through a lot, and I feel that I’m the one that has to take care of them.

    Love you!

  26. Starting tomorrow here in Fallon, NV!
    I always love your studies and am looking forward to getting back into this daily.
    I have a chronic illness and I am feeling worse by the day but my love and faith in God keep me positive and keep me going!

  27. delaware, ohio
    i’m really looking forward to this study!! my hope is i will be able to hear Him and have real peace. i have my pumpkin spice candle burning this evening and will be praying for our weeks ahead! ❤️

    1. Hello Good Morning Girls???? I will be starting my devo this evening and i so cant wait for it! I have a 6mth old baby whom i love but, is completely consuming my energies. Along with a frustration that has been growing in me as i see my spouse’s walk with the Lord. Im ready to rest and release at the Lord feet. Thank you Courtney for staying strong and following Gods will in your life. You are such an encouragment unto me.
      ???? Carina M.
      #womanlivingwell#RestandRelease

  28. I’m lighting my candle in Ellsworth, Kansas. I’ve been looking forward to this for the last couple of months! Thanks for your working in getting this together for all of us!!

  29. Joining from Northeast Ohio! Looking forward to this study, and so happy that my sister in law, Katie will be joining us from Idaho. So so so need this study right now. <3

  30. Hi here from Pennsylvania and very excited for this. I’m in need of a little rest and a lot of releasing. My world is full of burdens that I’ve been holding onto for far to long. Time to give them to God and heal. Thank you for this!!!

  31. Good evening Courtney. Checking in from central Illinois. Thank you for this study. Really needing this right now do to health issues and a stuggling family right now with one income. Have a blessed evening.

  32. I am retiring tomorrow and Recovering from a fall. Need the release and relaxation at this moment in my life. This is Good telling me it’s time! Looking forward to joining.

  33. It’ Sunday night here, just lit my candle & prayed over this week. Looking forward to starting tomorrow. I was not planning on buying the book but just decided to have my husband order it for me first thing in the morning…????????????✝️

  34. Hi, I am from Texas and I am excited to join in an online bible study for the first time. I will be starting my readings tomorrow and will be lighting my candle in the mornings and have it lit throughout my day. I am ready for rest and release because finding some normalcy and balance and resetting after having a newborn and just started a new homeschooling year this Fall with a sophomore, 2nd grader, and preschooler. Can’t wait to see what God has in store for me through this study.

  35. Good morning from Czech Republic! This study is perfect timing for me. I am in Czech helping my daughter and her husband start their life here as missionaries. When I get home (Minnesota) the end of next week, I will be gearing up to be full time grandma daycare for our brand new grandson. I am praying this study will help this mom’s anxious heart, having my baby so far away is not easy. Though I am excited to see God working in and though my kids in Czech.

  36. Good morning. I’m Mercy from Nigeria. I’m so excited about this study, I have a lot to release and rest on.

  37. Hi from UK. I am so looking forward to this my first Bible study. I need to release my Anxiety over a health problem. My candle is lit, and have prayed for guidance. Thank you so much for this study.
    Love to you and your family. X

  38. Good morning from Dallas, Georgia. So glad to have Courtney back! I have many things in my life that are distracting me, old resentment, work, life, etc. Sometimes I’m too tired to even care for my home. I am thankful for Mary and Martha’s reminder today of what is most important – my ability to lean on Jesus everyday. Thank you for this bible study!

  39. Thank you for this study. It is definitely something I need. I have so much worry at times with my children which are adult and practically an adult. I worry and stress over my oldest daughter that she may find her way, find good people to come into her life, a job and positivity. She has this connection with a guy who has physically hurt her, I do not understand but I stress and pray each day she releases that connection and walks away. So this study will be a struggle, I have trouble fully releasing my fears stress and anxiety of things in my life, girls (2), money, and my own direction. Single mom and starting to feel lonely. Will I ever find someone to share my life with again? I bear too much stress and definitely need to release and relax more!

  40. Hi. I”m joining from New Jersey. I’m looking forward to this study and learning again from you Courtney. I am overwhelmed with so many issues including work, marriage, finances, kids in school. I need to rest and release all these things to God and I am believing to see God work mightily in these things for me.

    1. Hey I’m in NJ too! Waiting for financial breakthrough but know He is faithful and will provide every need! I am no stranger to His goodness! Praying for all here and for you Courtney. God is not finished yet in any of our lives! HE is the victor over the enemy every time!! Praise Him!!

  41. Good morning from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! I am praying the Lord will quiet my mind, free any distractions that stomps on my time with Him. I homeschool 4 children with one very challenging student ????. This causes many distractions during my day. I want to give the Lord my full attention when I am with Him.
    I am praying for all of you wonderful women! May we all feel the Lord’s presence and guidance through this study!

  42. Good Morning! I’m joining from Opdyke, IL. I’m needing a refresh due to work stress (I’m a nurse) and direction with an adult child that is currently running from God. Momma is digging in!!I’m excited to share this study with my niece who will be joining us as well.

  43. Good Morning from Hubbard, Ohio. I have never don’t an online bible study like this. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful group. As I read through the comments I am so impressed with the world wide group of ladies who are participating. Hope all have a blessed day.

  44. Hi Courtney. Excited to be on this journey with you! You are such a blessing!
    Just read through the reading today and the one thing that stuck out to me today was that Martha had “many things” she was worried and upset about. Boy, oh boy as women and as moms we can surely relate. But Jesus…..he wants us to keep our eyes, hearts, thoughts fixed on him. For he is bigger than anything we worry and are upset about. Amen!
    Thanks again Courtney for helping us keep our eyes on The King. Have a beautiful day!

  45. Good Morning! I’am joining from Utopia,Ontario, Canada. I’am hoping and praying God will help me release from stress and rest, just silly everyday things, mainly money how to manage it, how to not worry about it and how to make it stretch. I dont know if than makes sense, but I will trust God. Thankyou so much for your bible study!

  46. Joining from Madison, Ms. I have been struggling with my daughter for the last six months in a monumental way. I have tried everything I know to “fix” it, but for obvious reasons, I have failed. I’m trusting that the Lord is going to be my help as I release all of this into His hands and allow Him to do His work. He loves her more than I do, and He will meet the need as I focus on Him.

  47. Good morning from western NC. My candle is ready and so I am. This particular study comes at a much needed time for me. Can’t wait to get started this morning.

  48. My candle is burning in Mableton Georgia. I am ready to rest from a trying family situation and financial strains!! Trusting God to help me let these things go.

  49. Good Morning, excited to be starting here in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. Looking forward to what God will do through this study. Thank you so much!

  50. Good Morning from Arizona,
    So blessed that I happen to run into this study this morning and it starts today! How good is our God! I read through the study and it seems so perfect for what I’m going through. I’m a teacher and I’m going to my priliminary hearing this morning being accused of several things that’s not true. I pray God shows me favor and the truth shall set me free. I’m excited to start this study. The title in it’s self sounds so refreshing “rest and release” is what I need in my life.

  51. Lighting my candle from Smyrna, Georgia! Thanks for putting this study together! I am looking forward to learning new things 🙂

  52. Good Morning, starting today October 3. I’m Agatha, and I’m from vauxhall, Alberta, Canada. We have 4 children, and as moms know we’re very busy with raising them. The happy days and the sad ones. Our daughter Grace has had 10 surgeries in her 6 short years. We’ve started a family business, which is going through quite a challange this year. And we have a broken family relationship with my husbands side. One is leaning on those everlasting arms, but also looking forward to resting and releasing. Thank you for this study. Through all our high mountains and low valleys, praise God He never leaves or forsakes us.????????

  53. My name is Brandi, I am 23 years old, and I am joining this Bible Study from a small town (about 45 minutes away from Asheville), North Carolina. I need to let go of feeling like too much of a failure to come before God. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to do this Bible Study.

  54. Good morning Courtney! This will be a wonderful study and I want you to know you will be in my daily prayers as we go along. I’ve been where you are years ago. God will be your strength and your strong tower! Bless you precious child of the King!

  55. Good Morning, I’m Michelle from New Jersey. I’m facing a lot of challenges that have taken my focus off God. I want to re-commit through this study and see if I can overcome, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the issues that are bringing me down. God Bless you all as you study God’s Holy Word.

  56. Hi! Joining this study from Wisconsin. I’ve been struggling with anxiety since I experienced some health problems. I am praying that God will help me focus on the ONE THING that is necessary, not my health, not the busy-ness of life, not my comfort, etc.

  57. Hi. My name is Teresa and I am joining from a small town in North Central Kansas. I have many things going on in my life right now that I need rest from and to release to God. This study couldn’t have come at a better time for me.

  58. Hello!
    Laura from Hartsburg, MO needing to slow down and make time for the Lord:)
    Thank you for this study!!!!

  59. Hi. I’m joining this study from Michigan. I’m looking forward to releasing the negativity surrounding right now -and growing in the Lords word through this study.
    Thank you Courtney for this study❣️ ????????????????????????

  60. I’m Charlsie, with my apple cinnamon candle in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX area. I have had a year+ of serious health issues and look forward to the Lord’s leadership for health & healing; resting in Him; and discovering what’s next in His plan. Courtney & Staff — THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!

  61. So excited and happy to start this study with all of you from all over the world. Good afternoon from Fernandina Beach, Florida. Thank you and god bless you Courtney!

  62. Hi! I’m Jackie from Orrville/Dalton in Ohio. I need rest and “release” from work situations. Some is my fault, much is not..and it is so tiring trying to say, do, or feel the way I should as a Christian. Thank you for doing this study!

  63. Hello ladies my name is Alexandria
    This study couldn’t have came at a better time. I’m studying fro. Texas and I need rest from trying to control things, planning things and fighting against change

  64. Hello from Southern Maryland! I’m looking forward to giving my anxiety and worries over to God!
    Kayla Kendall

  65. Hi! My name is Jean and I am from Oregon. I’m really looking forward to this study. I have my candle lit and ready to go! 🙂 I’m praying for the loss of my Aunt this weekend and for my Uncle (her husband) who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Also for the people in Vegas who went through the horrible ordeal last night. 🙁

  66. I am actually allergic to candles sad to say. Good evening from Arkansas. the biggest distraction for me is dealing with my bestfriend’s passing. I kept it in since last June. I was taught growing up by my father to show emotion is to be weak. going to my best friends mothers funeral yesterday seeing my bestfriend’s picture tore me up.

    Is there something that makes you feel anxious or troubled? showing my emotions in a healthy way without snapping. I lost my best friend to death. it is very hard for me to cry in front of people..

  67. Hello Courtney,
    I am from Oklahoma and can’t wait to get started. Just received my book today so a little behind but will catch up. I hope to be able to rest and release lay it all at Jesus feet. I have malice in my heart and so long to find peace. I am a Family Preservation Social Worker and it’s hard to lay the pain of children down for Jesus to take care of. Hate and bitterness has taken my life for the past 2 years but I’m climbing out of the pit now I need to finish nd peace

  68. Good evening! I’m Sarah from Oregon 🙂 One thing I need rest and release from is my job situation. There has been a lot of junk going on and I’ve been stressed and not sure what direction to go in.

  69. Good evening from Texas, excited to begin this study. I always look forward to this fall study. Need to be more like Mary!

  70. Good Evening everyone, I am Robin from Austin, Texas. I am so weary, several years of multiple family illnesses going on and caring for others and working an extremely stressful job. I need to be able to rest in the Lord.

  71. HI all, I’m Whitney from Texas. I came across this bible study on a friends Instagram. I am so glad and excited to start this. I need to release my worrying.

  72. Hey! I am Ana from Nashville, TN. I recently began the RCIA process and have been yearning to learn about the Bible and read it. I have done a bible study before, alone, and it helped me to read and learn a bit but it was not what I wanted. I want more. I am feeling very overwhelmed and stressed as I have just moved here from Miami, FL in July, alone with my fiance. Finding this was a total coincidence and it could not have come at a better time, all God’s work.

  73. Hi! I’m from Western Canada, and I need to rest from taking on too much in this season of life. Last November my two oldest boys were tested for autism, and the oldest is likely going to be re-assessed. I’m also a student (three courses per semester puts me at full-time now, though it’s all online).

    That is more than enough to handle, so I need to keep focused on priorities. I believe that being a mother is a ministry, and I’m not going to fail in that because I’m too busy for my own children! I also believe that my career can be a ministry, so training for it is my job right now. And even as a student, I can be in ministry encouraging and witnessing to other students, my professors, etc.

    All the other “stuff,” including a legal battle that’s about two and a half years old, will need some attention from time to time; but it can’t have my focus in the same way. It’s just not physically possible! So I give it all to God and ask Him to determine when and how those things might fit in. And where I can ask for and receive help graciously…

  74. Good morning from Jacksonville, Fl. I am very happy and blessed to be a part of this study. I have needed to take the time to just rest. I am excited to learn more throughout the course of this study.

  75. My candle is ready here in Australia, I’m doing the bible study with a friend and we are excited.
    Please pray that God will heal and strengthen me in this season.
    Thanks for putting this together , God bless

  76. I am joining you from a place of dispair in my own marriage. My husband seems on the verge of leaving me and my our 3 children…. well I guess mostly me because he definitely loves them. His mother died a little over a year ago and I believe he is depressed so he is being very selfish and behaving in a way that makes him almost unrecognizable to me but I love him and believe that God is a God of amazing grace, restoration, and healing. It’s just hard when your final outcome depends on someone who may not be praying or wanting the same thing as you. Anyways, while I am feeling anything but rest and relax, I am hoping joining you will give me peace and the ability to lean into God and trust He has the best interest of me and my husband in the works.

  77. I feel like Satan keeps knocking me (us) down in the area of my marriage. My husband exhibits narcissist behavior, which I never recognized until the last year or so. According to him, I am the source of all his problems, anger, and unhappiness. We had divorce papers drawn up this past summer, but after much prayer we decided it wasn’t an option. We did well for a short time, now we are back where we were. He has rarely touched me in years. I am lonely, sad, and have become more anxious as time moves on. I am to the point that I even try to avoid being around him.

    1. Funny how they always blame us for their anger issues and problems. So many of us going through the same issues in life. All I can do is cry my heart out in my quiet time and let God speak to me and guide me. I’ve tried battling through a unhealthy marriage on my own but I end up always in a darker emotional place. I’ve learned the hard way – God is our only comforter.

  78. I’m Ann from Portland Oregon and this study is just what I need right now! My anxieties are mostly to do with my kids. I have 2 teenagers, 1 almost teenager, and an 8 year old. I didn’t realize how much I would worry about them as they grow older and I worry I haven’t done enough to prepare them for the world and their futures. Then I feel guilty because my anxieties aren’t as serious as other people’s and I feel like I have no right to be anxious and that it means I’m not trusting God like I should. It’s a never ending cycle! I’m definitely ready to “Rest and Release”!

  79. Hi from New Zealand. Just randomly came across your Instagram page then this blog. You are so inspirational!!! Thank you for the hours you put into this blog to bless women like me from the other side of the world and strengthen my relationship with God. Please keep me in your prayers as I’m going through a custody battle over my 2 children.
    Thanks

  80. Hi… I’m La’Veita from Greenville,SC. I am so happy I found this 4 week Bible Study. I need to R&R from work and just the busyness of life. I’m a mother of twins and full time student and nurse and I am exhausted. I am ALWAYS FRUSTRATED and I cry all the time. I am snappy with my kids.. spouse…it’s a bit much. I pray this helps me.

  81. Hi, I am just getting started today from Mississippi! This study is so right on time for me! So many things trying to steal every ounce of peace that is promised to me by Our awesome Father!! So glad to be a part of this work He is doing!

  82. I am new here, but thank you for letting me be apart of something every women needs. Lots of love to you all. ????

  83. Hi! I am Katy from MS and I am looking so forward to this study. I have a very hard time juggling being a caretaker of a parent with dementia, helping with my grandchildren after a bad divorce, still trying to work full time and just the responsibilities of just regular household up
    keep. I need to learn how to rest and take care of myself, also, due to new health problems. I am excited to see what God is going to reveal to me during this much needed study. My candle will be lit every evening.

  84. Good morning,
    I’m so thankful to you for this bible study. I so need this right now in my life. I’m burning my candle in Lufkin, Texas. I look forward to resting and releasing through the bible study. God has revealed to me things that I need rest in. I feel some peace now.

  85. Hi, I’m Jennifer from Carson City, Nevada. I was so excited to come across this on Facebook on the 30th! This will be the 3rd Bible Study I’ve done with the GoodMorningGirls. I absolutely needed the Rest and Release like all you others have said. I have struggled a lot with self-doubt in the last several months and I am in need of a deeper relationship with God going into the end of this year. After the first several days, I am loving where Rest and Release is taking me!

  86. Good morning. This is such a good study!! Today struck a note with me and the scripture reading was perfect. Remembering that He also took time to be alone with the Father relieves the pressure to continuously be busy!

  87. I am an early-retired nurse, by choice,Pastor’s wife, and empty nest mom…I am not stressed with the “busy-ness” of working and moms of young ones. At first glance, I thought I am not sure if this is pertinent to my current situation; but I have been praying for a study to get into the Word and seem led to this one, so with an open mind and heart, here I am Lord…looking forward to joining everyone!

  88. Hi! I’m joining from Oregon and I am so in need of this study! I have many health issues, making it impossible for me to work to help out with finances as my hubby works and goes to college. These health issues, along with some marriage stress (see all my hubby is doing = one burnt out and exhausted hubby) has made it hard to really rest in His hope and love.

  89. Hi Courtney

    In the book it states that there is a weekly corresponding video. When will that get posted or where can’t I find it. I have searched but am having no luck locating it.

    Thank you & God Bless
    Cynthia

  90. This is Mari. I have been on and off starting this all week and although it is Saturday night, 11:08 pm EST, I am dedicated to starting this journey. (Even if I am a week behind) To answer the question, what I am asking God to help me take rest from is not an easy one. At this very moment in my life, there is so much “noise” that I am choosing to lay it at the foot of the cross and ask God to reveal it to me. I look forward to praying with all of you and may Jesus be Glorified during this time and hearts converted.

  91. Hi Courtney,

    This is Karrie from Wisconsin. I am so excited to start this study with you! I have followed you over the years & never made it through a whole study because of illness. I just got out of the hospital for my 10th back surgery. Hopefully after the infection clears I will be able to have a spinal cord stimulator implanted to help with pain. I am a little behind but determined to catch up! I can’t even put into words how much I admire & respect what you’ve done with your books & Bible studies, not to mention homeschooling your children! My heart broke when satan attacked your marriage! I had a similar situation occur in my 1st marriage. At the time I didn’t have a relationship with God. I loved Him but was in a religion that was all about rules & working your way to heaven. I remember begging God to restore my marriage even though I was being abused & cheated on. Thankfully God had a better plan & brought me a new husband that loved my children as though they were his own. We joined a Bible believing church & fell head over heals in love with Jesus of the Bible! As icing on the cake we adopted a baby from Guatemala as a family & she has brought the kids, my husband & me such joy. I pray the Lord leads you back to going through the Bible chapter by chapter because you have so much Bible knowledge and I & so many others learn so much from you! Because of my back & other health conditions I am homebound in a hospital bed 23 hours a day & not able to join Bible studies offered at my church. Your website has been such a major blessing in my life! Especially offering much of it on your blog & not limiting it to social media like Facebook. Although only in my early 40s, I am not a fan of social media & don’t use it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do. God bless you Courtney.

  92. I am from the Catskill Mountains in New York. I need to rest and relax from trying to please everyone. Just to seek Him. Then see how he wants to use me in others lives.

  93. Just able to start today. In the middle of a very long drawn out relocation. Where the most recent thing that has gone wrong is the sellers of the home we were purchasing backed out on us. All of our belongings are now in storage and we are living in our travel trailer. We are very thankful to have the travel trailer as it is keeping the temporary cost down while we search for another house. Definitely need rest and am very excited to begin the study.

  94. Ok… only 19’days behind. I’ve really been struggling lately and I kept fighting starting this study. So here I am, thankful to have gotten past myself to begin this journey! Thank you

  95. Hi, I’m starting the study today and even though it’s not Monday yet I already did the first day and I enjoyed it a lot! I’m burning the first candle on my advent wreath as today is the first advent (it’s mostly a Lutheran tradition). I live in Maine and feel stressed and anxious because of work. It is very overwhelming and I need all the rest and peace I can get. Thank you Courtney for creating this Bible study! ❤️????

  96. I’m starting this study on July 30, 2018. We’ve had 6 months of unrest starting with a garage fire. We are in another transition now which may or may not happen. I have been so anxious this past month waiting for an answer. I need to rest and release.

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