R.E.S.E.T.
An optional tool for further growth
The RESET consists of 10-15 minutes of intentional time with God, as often as you need it. It’s a scheduled time alone with God—just to be still! The Bible is filled with Scriptures encouraging this practice. Here is one. Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God!” Another way to translate this verse is: “Stop trying to do it all by yourself and remember that I’ve got this.” If you struggle to slow down and pause, or you frequently feel overwhelmed, you’re going to love learning how to RESET.
Below is a template for how to do a RESET. It’s important to note that the outline is meant to be a guide for you to follow. Some days you may walk through all five steps. Other days you may only do one or two or none.
Begin by sitting in silence for one to two minutes. You’re not doing anything, not actively thinking about calendar appointments or your to-do list. You’re just sitting, allowing yourself to sink into the quiet. Next, walk through each step for two to three minutes each. It’s fine to spend more time in a particular area that needs attention. You may want to journal your RESET because it helps you focus and keep a record of what is going on in your life spiritually and relationally throughout the years. You do not have to journal it though.
Here are the steps of a RESET:
R – Relationships: Begin with the Great Commandment of loving God and loving others. When our vertical relationship with God is aligned, our horizontal relationships with others will be positively affected. The entire point of discipleship is not to check a bunch of boxes, but build your relationship with God, which will also grow your relationships with others. This question keeps our time with God on a relational level.
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God: How is my relationship with You? How are You and I doing? Worship Him in this moment. Praise Him for why you believe He is so good. Is there any unconfessed sin in my life? Is there something You are leading me to do that I haven’t done?
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Others: How are my relationships with the people who matter most? Have I wronged anyone? Do I need to ask forgiveness for something I’ve done? Do I need to speak truth and/or grace into anyone’s life? Do I need to check on anyone?
E – Environment: Sit (or walk) in silence and enjoy God’s creation. Find a spot where you can be outside or look out of a window. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship.” With childlike wonder, sit in awe of what God has made.
S – Scripture: This is the center element of your RESET, just as it should be the center of our lives. This may be where you meditate on Scripture that you’ve memorized or reflect on a recent HEAR Journal.
E – Emotions: How am I feeling emotionally? How did I sleep last night? If poorly, why? Is there any stress or worry or fear or negative thinking in my life? If so, name and identify it specifically. Write it down even. Then give it to God and transfer the worry and responsibility to Him. In 1 Peter 5:7, Peter tells us to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” Consider your physical body. Do you have stress anywhere? Tension in your muscles or back or neck or anywhere else? Take this time to address your mental and physical state and offer it to the Lord so that you can be used best by Him.
T – Thankfulness: Name one or two things you are thankful for today. Don’t be vague. Name specifically the things you are grateful for. After practicing the RESET for some time, you will move beyond the typical, “I’m thankful for my health,” or “I’m thankful for my family,” and begin naming specific moments or items in your life that you are thankful for.