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You’re tired of being tired, aren’t you? Worn down, weary, and running on empty. If one more item is added to your to-do list, you might just topple.
Life’s responsibilities, ongoing trials, and the daily grind feel heavier than they used to. You wonder: “Am I the only one?” You wonder: “Will this season last forever?”
While few of us admit it, there’s a quiet stigma that Christians can’t feel tired. We act like we’re superhuman with infinite time, energy, and resources, and we believe the lie that we just need to work harder, pray more, read longer, and volunteer extra hours. Don’t worry, I’ve been here, too.
The reality is different: Christians can feel spiritually drained even while being faithful. Sometimes what we really need is soul-deep rest, true rest in Jesus.
In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus invites us into that rest. A rest that isn’t contingent on our performance but restores body, mind, and soul. If you’re longing for true rest in Jesus, try these steps.
Step #1 – Recognize and Admit Your Weariness
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 HCSB
Jesus’ invitation sounds simple, and yet admitting weakness feels risky. We often feel pressure to “push through,” forgetting Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28 and believing instead that we can do it all. But Jesus knew we would face seasons of exhaustion and famine.
God doesn’t ask you to be stronger or try harder; He asks you to be honest about your weariness with Him. Sounds scary, right? Admitting how you really feel? Yikes! But this honesty opens the door to freedom.
If you struggle to recognize or admit your weariness, try journaling a prayer to the Lord. Confess how you’re really doing and take off the mask. It’s holy work to confess weakness and then trust Him to do what you cannot.
When we’re weak, then He is strong (2 Cor 12:9 HCSB). God desires to give us rest because it has always been part of His design (Ex 20:8–10 HCSB). Admitting weariness is the first step toward receiving true rest in Jesus.
Step #2 – Pause and Receive God’s Presence
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10 HCSB
After admitting we’re weary, the next move is to pause, intentionally, amid the busyness. I know you’re overwhelmed, but pausing and receiving God’s presence actually lightens the load.
When we stop, breathe, and rest quietly in God’s presence, we’re practicing surrender rather than escape. Pausing in the 21st century isn’t easy. Might I say it’s countercultural? It doesn’t make sense to anyone around you. But the benefits outweigh the risks tenfold.
Stillness is an act of faith, not inactivity. It doesn’t mean we’re lazy; it means we do what we can and then trust God to finish the work. Pausing to receive God’s presence is one of the most faithful ways to access true rest in Jesus.