Rest and Release: A 4-Week Bible Study

by Courtney Joseph

God wants you to talk with Him about your struggles, pains, and frustrations, and give Him all your cares in exchange for His peace. Because we do not rest, we miss hearing God’s voice. Psalm 23 comes to mind. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Are you experiencing the green pastures, the quiet waters, and the restoration of your soul that Psalm 23 speaks of, from resting with your Shepherd? Remember how the crowds pressed in on Jesus everywhere He went? Everywhere He turned, there was a need unmet, and though there was so much to do . . . He withdrew to rest. Luke 5:16 says, “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” If Jesus needed alone time with God, then certainly we do. Just think of the wisdom He wants to impart to you, the strength and the peace you may be missing out on. Give yourself permission not to have your to-do list all checked off in order for you to rest and get alone with God. Each weekday, I will provide for you a verse of the day, a short devotional, a reflection question and a daily scripture reading. Also, on-line at WomenLivingWell.org you will find 4 videos (one per week) that correspond with the scripture we are studying each week. Each week I will provide for you a practical challenge of something I do in my home that helps me rest and live blessed. I hope you will take the challenges. They do make a difference! I pray that your time spent in God’s Word will lead you to rest for your soul and release of your burdens, so you can live a life of peace and freedom in Christ no matter what you are facing. Join me on this journey, as we walk with the King. Courtney

Genres: Christian Living

60 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2017

About the author

Courtney Joseph is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship. After over a decade of leading women’s Bible studies, mentorships and workshops in her local church, she decided to move her ministry on-line at WomenLivingWell.org where she has over 1.5 million views of her videos on youtube. Courtney’s passion and sincerity has made her a leader in the Christian blogging community. She is the Founder of WomenLivingWell.org and GoodMorningGirls.org.

Reviews

[Amy Bobryk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short study focused on just chilling out - it’s so funny but I didn’t realize how bad I needed these simple habits and just getting into the word a little bit a day. It was very peaceful and wasn’t overwhelming to add to my routine.

[Julia Standley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

It was fantastic and deep. It helped me love getting up so early. I really enjoyed this study and I think you eill also

[Stephanie Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the lessons and raw vulnerability shared along with the relevant verses and reflection questions that led me to a place of introspection and intimacy with the Father. The main reason I can’t give this more stars is because I bought the book thinking there would be a lot more to it than the resources and devotions already shared on the blog. Really the only difference between the book and the blog is that Tuesday and Thursdays also had a blurb to go along with the question and verse in the book while that is not available online. You can see pretty much everything for MWF for free on the blog. I love supporting this ministry, but I also have a hard time with buying a book on my Kindle to have very little extra than what’s offered for free. I just think this is worth mentioning, as it was a great study, but in the future I’ll probably only stick to reading the blog and bypass the accompanying book altogether. I wish I had realized this ahead of time.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This study came at a great time in my life when things were really crazy! The devotionals in the book were not super deep, but the scriptures, reflection questions, and corresponding videos were great. I often would read the full chapter in the Bible rather than just the few verses selected. I can feel and see a literal difference in my life after learning from Courtney (and the Holy Spirit!) these last 6 weeks- learning about how to rest in God and release worries to Him, why it’s important, and so much more. It definitely is a study where the onus is on the reader- you have to spend time reading the Bible and in prayer to grow (not just depend on the devotional paragraph). I would give the journal itself 2-3 stars but the study overall 4+ stars for how it has impacted me.

[Chelsea Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this devotional gives you a method to begin to understand and apply bible verses specifically to your life. Plus it gives great analogies and thoughtful insight to each verse. I highly recommend this devotional to anyone in every walk of faith who is interested in learning more about themselves through the Bible.

[Sharlee Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putting God first

I chose this rating because I am one who feels and does the very things that put me in the same situations that Courtney is talking about.
Courtney's book is helping me see what is important and is also helping me make better habits. Putting God first is the most important
habit I can make. Thank you Courtney

[Sherri Kukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this Bible Study by Courtney Joseph, the accompanying videos on her website encourage understanding of the content. She is relatable and focuses on the important topics to get through difficult times in life.

[Annette Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical

I am so glad I had the times to do this study
Thank you for sharing what we need to do

[Tameka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Study

This came timely as my word of the year is Restore. A huge part of that is resting in the Lord. Loved this study.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love digging into the Bible with the studies by Ms. Joseph!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This helped center me during this time of pandemic.

[Ashley Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Devotional!!

This was so on time for me and exactly what I needed!!! I will be reading over and over again!

[Carmen Aviles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well rounded

This 4 week plan helped me get back to looking for my God, who is ever faithful. I plan on beginning again. I'm sure I have more to receive. Thank you

[Mary Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you need help releasing yourself to rest in God¿

This study was written for those of us who need a bit of guidance in letting go of our burdens and learning to rest in God. Each lesson takes only a few minutes, but brings you before the throne in worship.

[S.M. Boren · Rating 5 out of 5]

bible study done with my sisters Feb 2018

[Susan]

Gentle and Doable and even encouraging (because of the Word itself!) but rather light weight, which is I suppose as it is meant to be. I did enjoy the writing out of scriptures to meditate post lesson. I don't think I'd ever have done this booklet had it not been for a friend doing it and sharing about it on instagram.