Hope for the weary

In today's Western world, one characteristic of our culture that seems to touch us all is busyness. We always have something to do, and we rarely find true rest. We chase success, look for meaning, and try to enjoy life without letting it slip by. But all of that often comes at the cost of our time, energy, and peace. We become weary—tired, worn out, and burdened.But is this really the life Jesus calls us to? What hope do we have for rest in a restless world?

Jesus once spoke these powerful words, recorded in Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB):

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus was speaking to a mixed crowd of people in various towns (see verse 1), and no doubt many were curious about who He was, what He was teaching, and the miracles He performed. While many religious leaders of the time were saying, "Do more!"—Jesus was saying, "Come to Me." He offered something better than more effort: rest.

Jesus was not lazy. He was probably busier than most of us. But He knew where to find rest, and He knew how to give it. The Bible warns against laziness—for example, Proverbs 6:10–11 (CSB) says:

"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit."

So Scripture doesn’t call us to laziness—but it does constantly teach the need for rest. Jesus Himself came to be our rest.In the Old Testament, we see the Sabbath established in creation (Genesis 2:3), when God ceased from His work. Later, when Jesus was criticized for healing on the Sabbath, He reminded the people that "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). Jesus didn’t rest all the time, but He regularly stepped away to be alone with the Father and recharge. He had no fear or anxiety because He trusted fully in God’s control—something we all need to grow in. So, what does this mean for us today?

We are called to work hard in our jobs, our ministries, and our families—but also to rest from that work. This rest is both spiritual and physical.

Spiritually, Jesus invites us to rest in Him—not in our own performance. Matthew 11 shows us that Jesus isn’t telling people to "try harder" but to find true peace in Him. As Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us, we are saved by grace, not works. Just knowing that our salvation is secure in Christ should give us a peace that surpasses all understanding.

That spiritual rest flows into physical rest, too. Like Jesus, we need time alone with God. We need time away from pressure, productivity, and anxiety. The kind of rest that honors God helps us reset our minds, hearts, and bodies.

Because the truth is: running nonstop can hurt us and those around us. How often have we chosen work over time with our families? How often have we worried about the future instead of trusting the One who holds it? How often have we "kept on trucking" just to get by?

Listen: we need rest. The supernatural rest that God offers through Jesus is a gentle but powerful reminder.

So How Do We Live This Out?

Here are three principles to take home:

1. Work hard when it’s time to work. Don’t be lazy.

2. Rest intentionally—both spiritually and physically. Step back and recharge.

3. Rest daily in Jesus, knowing He holds your salvation and your future.

Jesus alone provides the deepest kind of rest. What a mighty God we serve! Let’s continue to trust Him and find our rest in His presence and in His Word.