"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."- Matthew 11:28-30
Has God ever told you to do something, and you promptly ignored it? Not because you wanted to directly disobey Him, but because you feared what it would cost you? I know I have. And for the last seven years, I’ve been good at it. When I was able to resign from teaching to pursue full-time writing, I sensed that God wanted me to rest and take a break. And I did. For about two weeks, while I healed from surgery. Two weeks compared to five years of teaching isn’t much. But then, it was back to the grind. Two years later, I’ve realized that I still have an issue with rest.
This time, I’ve made it a priority to take an entire month off. While I know this isn’t possible for everyone, I’ve learned that obtaining a proper view of rest in a busy season is. Because rest was never meant to be synonymous with being lazy or a reward for finishing everything on your to-do list. Rest is a way we trust God with what we can’t control. But most of us like to avoid rest.
For you, maybe you avoid rest because who has time? The to-do list and chores never end. Maybe rest feels impossible because there are always kids to feed, errands to run, a dog to walk, and a Pilates class to attend. And these things aren’t bad! You tell yourself you’ll slow down “after this week,” deeply knowing “this week” never comes. But you know what I think? I think deep down, most of us know how to keep going long after our hearts and bodies are asking us to stop. So, we ignore the boundaries, answer the email, finish the chore, skip lunch, and throw self-care out the window. Eventually, these things leave us even more weary.
The good news is that Jesus doesn’t judge us for living this way, but He does invite us to a better way. And that way doesn’t require us to work harder, but to come closer to His presence. In this famous portion of Matthew 11, Jesus offers an invitation to those who believe in Him. Note that Jesus doesn’t say, “Come to me when you have everything together,” or “Come to me when everything on your task list is finally accomplished.” Jesus specifically calls the weary and burdened to Him, not to call us out but to offer us a greater rest.
For years, I struggled to understand that rest isn’t just physical inactivity. Biblical rest is trusting God, receiving His care, remembering we’re not the Savior, and allowing Him to carry what we can’t. For some people, that rest does look like taking a nap or eating a snack. For others, it’s taking a run or enjoying a fun workout class. Rest looks different for everyone, but it isn’t measured by our productivity. The rest Jesus offers is a gift. And He alone already accomplished what we couldn’t through His death and resurrection. If you’re someone who struggles to embrace rest (and remember, you’re not alone), here are three things I’ve found to be helpful:
1. Identify what’s weighing you down.
Are you carrying things that God never asked you to carry? Are you doing too much? Are you taking breaks, eating meals, and taking care of your body? The answers to these questions can be a wake-up call, but at their core, they remind us that we can’t live as if everything depends on us.
2. Practice intentional rest before burnout forces you to.
I say this from unfortunate experience, but all of us need to learn to practice intentional rest before we reach burnout. If you don’t stop, I hate to tell you, but burnout will eventually force you to, and I promise you it won’t be at a convenient time. Practicing this rest will take practice. But over time, it can be incredibly helpful. I like to start my morning with a slow Scripture reading, take a walk when I’m feeling stuck in my productivity, play worship music to calm my Spirit, practice a weekly Sabbath day, and turn off these distractions. I didn’t get to this place at once, but these are things that have helped. Choose one to try this week!
3. Receive Rest as a Gift.
I know it’s hard to receive, but I challenge you to accept rest as a gift. An act of faith of saying, “God is still working even when I’m not,” and choosing to believe that. If this is difficult for you, try talking to God about these three questions:
- What makes rest hard for me?
- What do I fear will happen if I slow down?
- How can I create room for God this week?
Let's pray ...
Dear Jesus, I’m weary, worn, and tired of trying. I’m tired of tying my worth to what I do instead of who you say I am. Today, I ask that you give me freedom from striving. Allow me to receive the gift of rest that you bring and know what that should look like in my life. I receive your peace and trust your ability to sustain me. Thank you, Jesus. I love you! Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 9 Prayers to Gain a Heart for Heaven + Daily Prayer Journal
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Grace Cary
Related Resource: The Blind Spots Hurting Your Relationships
In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Debra Fileta for an honest and insightful conversation about the relationship blind spots many of us don’t realize we have. Together, they explore how emotional patterns, past wounds, and unrecognized habits can quietly shape the way we connect with others.
Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection.
If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Thursday, 24 September 2026.
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