Scripture: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Exhaustion has become the new normal. We wear busyness like a badge of honor, yet underneath, many of us feel weary, worn, and stretched too thin. Jesus’ words in Matthew are not just an invitation; they are a lifeline: “Come to me…and I will give you rest.”

Notice that He doesn’t say, “Work harder, then I’ll give you rest.” He doesn’t say, “Once you have it all figured out, then you can come.” He simply says, “Come.” The rest we need isn’t found in a weekend off, a vacation, or a nap (though those may help). True rest is found in Him.

When we bring Him our burdens, our fears, our failures, our fatigue, He exchanges them for His peace. This rest doesn’t mean life suddenly gets easy, but it means we no longer carry the load alone. His rest restores our souls, not just our bodies.

Think of a weary traveler carrying a heavy backpack. The moment they lay it down, they can finally breathe. That’s what Jesus offers us daily: a place to lay it all down.

Reflection Questions:

What burdens are you carrying that leave you exhausted?
Do you allow yourself to rest in God’s presence, or do you feel guilty for slowing down?
What might change if you trusted God enough to release the weight you carry?

Takeaway: True rest is not a reward for productivity, it’s a gift from Jesus when we come to Him.

Prayer:
Lord, I come to You weary, burdened, and sometimes overwhelmed. I bring You my heavy load, the responsibilities that weigh on me, the fears that drain me, and the struggles I try to carry on my own. I lay them at Your feet. Teach me to rest in You, Jesus. Remind me that I don’t have to prove my worth by doing more. You call me to simply be with You. Refresh my spirit with Your peace. Restore my joy. Fill my heart with the assurance that I am not alone in this journey. Thank You that You carry what I cannot. May I live each day from a place of rest, rooted in Your presence. Amen.

Action Step: Choose one day this week to practice Sabbath rest. Turn off unnecessary distractions, spend time in prayer and worship, and allow God to refresh you.

- Dr. CAM