Rest in God

READ: EXODUS 33:14; PSALMS 23:1-6; 62:1-2; MATTHEW 11:28-30

Life can feel exhausting. Between responsibilities, worries, and the fast pace of everyday life, many of us carry heavy burdens. Jesus’s invitation in Matthew 11 is simple yet profound: “Come to me…and I will give you rest.”

This rest is more than physical—it’s emotional, and even spiritual. It’s the peace that comes from knowing we don’t have to carry everything on our own. Jesus offers us His yoke, which is easy, and His burden, which is light. When we walk with Him, He shoulders the load.

Psalm 62 reminds us that our souls find rest in God alone. True rest doesn’t come from vacations, success, or distractions—it comes from trusting Him. Exodus 33:14 adds God’s promise: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” His presence is the source of renewal. And, because He loves us so much, He has welcomed us into His presence through the cross.

I remember a season when I felt completely drained. No amount of sleep or time off seemed to help. But when I turned to God in prayer, I experienced a deep peace that refreshed me in ways nothing else could. His rest reached my soul.

Rest in God doesn’t mean we avoid responsibilities—it means we face them with His strength and peace. When we pause to be with Him, we discover that He restores us, renews us, and carries us through. • Martha Karas

• What burdens have you been carrying? What has been making you feel weary? Consider taking some time to come to Jesus in prayer, honestly telling Him about whatever is weighing on you and asking Him to help you notice His invitations to rest in Him and follow His gentle leadership.

• Things like vacations, hobbies, naps, good food, and spending time with friends and family are wonderful gifts from God, and He wants to refresh us through them. But only He can give us full rest, the kind that reaches our very souls. How could you set aside time to pause and rest in God’s presence this week? Consider choosing a time of day and physical location, then see if it works well for you. If not, keep experimenting!

[Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)