And for many of us, rest is something we long for. We may not be traveling to different times zones, but the stresses, concerns, busyness, hustle, and burdens of life can leave us feeling weary. Yet rest can be hard to find. Looking for RestEven as we long for rest, we can have this idea in our heads that we can’t rest. Or at least, we can’t rest right now. We can have this idea that we need to keep being productive, keep checking off the tasks, keep planning it all, doing it all, figuring it all out, and holding it all together. So we keep saying, later, tomorrow, this weekend, after this busy season, on vacation. In this thinking we’re believing a lie: the lie that we can plan it all, do it all, figure it all out, and hold it all together. This thinking can show up in many ways:
We need to remember that only God is omnipotent: all-powerful and all-able to hold everything together. Rest is a way we remember this. So God invites us to rest in Him; to trust His power, might, and ability, and to experience His strength, provision, and direction. An Invitation to RestScripture says the deep soul-rest we are looking for is found in the Lord: Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1 Probably the most well-known verses about finding rest are Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Here’s a different way to think about rest: rest is an action. It is something we must intentionally engage in. It’s not about doing nothing, but about doing that which is from the Lord, to know Him, enjoy Him, glorify Him, and worship Him. The Action of RestIn Matthew 11:28-30, there are some specific actions Jesus calls us to in His invitation to rest: Come to Me… Jesus invites us to come to Him, to be with Him, to rest in Him. He doesn’t invite the perfectly-put-together super-woman. Rather, He invites those who know they are tired and weary, and who are tired and weary of trying to do it all on their own. Rest is found when we recognize our deep and desperate need for Jesus, and confess to Him those burdens we carry - the heavy responsibilities, worrisome concerns, and struggles with sin - knowing He is the only one who can truly help us. Take My yoke upon you… The yoke in this passage is a symbol of submission to someone’s authority. Taking Jesus’ yoke means acknowledging His lordship in our lives.* Rest doesn’t just mean vacations and bubble baths and Netflix binges so we can keep striving in our own strength and hustling for the life we dream of. In her email series, A Restful Advent, Mindy Larsen says, “Rest is what enables us to do the work God has set before us.” Rest comes with ordering our time, our priorities, and our resources in such a way that we are in submission to Jesus and able to do the good work He calls us to do, in the strength He promises to give. Learn from Me… The yoke is also a metaphor for the discipline of discipleship* Jesus calls us to be His disciples, to walk in His ways, to learn new ways of being and doing. Ultimately, rest is about being renewed in Christ-likeness: refreshing our souls, remembering our identity in Christ, recharging our energy, and reviving our motivation, so we can live as who we were created to be, and do what God has called us to do, without feeling like we have to hustle to keep up and measure up. If you’re feeling tired and weary, this is your permission to rest. Jesus has invited you: come to Him, confess your burdens, consider what work He has for you, and be renewed in Christ-likeness. Photo by Hayden Hunt on Unsplash
*The Expositors Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke by Frank E. Gaebelein, *The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, Matthew - Acts
3 Comments
Thank you for sharing such a deeply reflective and soul-nourishing piece. Your exploration of biblical truths for women in need of rest and renewal offers both comfort and wisdom. This article serves as a powerful reminder of God’s love and the importance of spiritual and emotional restoration. Your insights are invaluable for those seeking peace and rejuvenation in the midst of life's demands.
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Carrie Alfred
6/21/2025 07:33:14 pm
DOCTOR MUNA IS ABSOLUTELY THE GENUINE SPIRITUALIST WHO RESTORED MY BROKEN RELATIONSHIP AND I SINCERELY RECOMMENDS DOCTOR MUNA TO ANYONE IN NEED OF HELP! My name is Carrie, My husband left me for another woman a few months ago and ever since then my life has been filled with pain and agony because my husband was my first love whom I have spent my entire life with. A friend and also a colleague from work told me he saw some testimonies of a spiritualist called Doctor Muna, he can bring back lover within some few days, Ridiculously, I laughed it out and said I am not interested but for the sake of friendship, she consulted this God sent man on my behalf and to my greatest surprise after 12 hours my husband called me for the very first time for over 7 months saying "I miss you babe and I'm so sorry for everything I made me went through" I couldn't say a word but cried over the phone and hanged up. We are back together and living Happily together again. To be honest, I still can’t believe it, because it’s highly unbelievable. Thank you DOCTOR MUNA for bringing back my love and also to my SELFLESS FRIEND. Laura, who interceded on my behalf. For anyone who might need help of this wonderful spiritualist here is the email address: [email protected], Also add him on WhatsApp: +2347035449257
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Sheila Donnell
7/12/2025 07:55:35 am
My purpose out here today is to share this article to the world about how Doctor Odunga helped me in getting back my EX-boyfriend who broke up with me 4 months ago. I tried all I could to make him see reasons with me so that we can continue our relationship but he denied me. Thank God for giving me the thought of going into the internet for help, I searched properly and I saw different reviews of Doctor Odunga and I insisted on giving it a try by contacting him via what's app on (+2348167159012). He gave me reason to live again and he prepared a spell and told me that my Ex-boyfriend will come back to me within 9 hours. Can you believe it, my EX-boyfriend came back to me and our wedding will be held Soon. Contact him now!!! if you need any help. Email: [email protected] and he does a lot of spells. Once again i want to say am very grateful for your help
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