Learning to Rest Again

Stop carrying what you were never meant to carry alone...

As I write, 35 states are preparing for the winter storm of the decade, or, depending on who you listen to, the winter storm of the century. On my way into the office this morning, the local news was abuzz with details, potential road closures, school closures, and warming centers for the homeless. I’ve become pretty famous for loving the snow. And so, as you can imagine, the little kid in me is very excited for the possibility of a foot of snow this weekend. I enjoy it because it brightens what is usually a gray, dark, and dreary Ohio landscape this time of year.

So, if the storm comes in like they’re saying, this weekend is the perfect time for us all to slow down. Rest. Spend time with family and those you love the most. We’ll have some quiet time. Use this as an opportunity to meet with God and His Word, pray, and get yourself reset. Why is this so important? Well, just look around.

Many people are exhausted. Not just physically tired, but worn down on the inside. Minds won’t slow down. Hearts stay heavy. Even good responsibilities begin to feel crushing. And often, rest feels out of reach.

When Scripture talks about rest, it is not talking about vacations or time off. Those things can help, but they don’t reach the soul. What many Christians need is something deeper: rest that settles the heart and steadies the spirit.

Jesus knows all about this kind of weariness.

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

That invitation is not vague. Jesus names the people He calls; those who are weary and weighed down. He does not tell them to fix themselves first. He does not tell them to work harder or push through. He simply says, “Come.”

Rest begins with coming to Jesus

Rest does not begin with escape. It begins with approach. Many people try to outrun their weariness. They distract themselves. They stay busy. They numb the pain. But Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him.

Coming to Jesus means trusting Him enough to stop carrying what we were never meant to carry alone. It means prayer that is honest. It means admitting weakness. It means believing that His presence is enough.

Jesus continues:

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”
(Matthew 11:29)

A yoke sounds like work, not rest. But Jesus is making a point. You are already yoked to something—expectations, guilt, fear, pressure, or self-reliance. Those yokes crush the soul. Jesus offers a different one.

Rest is found in learning from Christ

Jesus says rest comes as we learn from Him. That takes time. It means reshaping how we think about life, responsibility, success, and faith. It means letting Jesus define what matters most.

He describes Himself this way:

“For I am lowly and humble in heart.”
(Matthew 11:29)

We do not come to a harsh master or an impatient judge. We come to a Savior who understands weakness. His humility makes rest possible. His gentleness allows the soul to breathe again.

And then comes the promise:

“And you will find rest for your souls.”
(Matthew 11:29)

Soul rest is not the absence of responsibility. It is the presence of Christ in the middle of responsibility.

Rest grows as burdens are reordered

Jesus finishes with these words:

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:30)

Jesus does not say there is no burden. He says His burden is light. Why? Because He carries it with us. When life is reordered around Christ, burdens no longer rest solely on our shoulders.

Paul wrote, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7).

Peace comes when we stop fighting for control and start trusting the One who is already in control.

A word for the weary

Learning to rest again is a process. It does not happen overnight. But it begins with one step: coming to Jesus.

Rest grows as we listen to His voice.
As we release burdens we were never meant to carry.
As we learn to walk at His pace instead of the world’s.

If you are tired today, hear this clearly: Jesus is not disappointed in your weariness. He is inviting you to rest.

Not escape.
Not avoidance.
But soul-deep rest that only He can give.

And when you learn to rest in Him, fear loosens its grip, and faith begins to breathe again.

Enjoy the snow this weekend, everyone!