Rest is a Gift, Not a Burden

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt like you just can’t stop? Like there’s always one more thing to do, and you’re constantly carrying the weight of it all? Jesus speaks directly to that feeling when He says, “Come to Me.” The Sabbath isn't just about physical rest; it’s also about spiritual rest. God created us to work, but He also created us to rest. When we try to go nonstop and handle everything ourselves, we risk burning out. Jesus invites us to lay our burdens at His feet and find true rest in Him.

Consider Elijah for a moment. After his incredible moment on Mount Carmel, where he called down fire from heaven and defeated the prophets of Baal, he ran for his life. Exhausted and discouraged, he even prayed for death. But how did God respond? Did He rebuke Elijah for being tired? No—He provided Elijah with food and instructed him to rest. After taking a nap, Elijah was given more food and told to rest again (1 Kings 19:1-8).

Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is take a nap!

Rest is a gift from God that allows us to recharge and refocus. It reminds us that we are not the ones holding everything together—He is.

Reflection Question: What burdens are you carrying that you need to bring to Jesus today?

Lord, sometimes I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world. Help me to come to You and find rest. Teach me to trust You with my burdens and to embrace the gift of rest. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Taken from "Balancing Work and Rest": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/2txh6gb/4-balancing-work-and-rest