Enter the Rest Jesus Offers
The Christian Professional Journal is here to offer faith-based insights and encouragement to help you navigate work and life with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to keep Faith First, Excellence Always, as we grow and walk boldly in God’s calling.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
A Truth We Can’t Ignore
The longer the hours, the bigger the paycheck; the busier the calendar, the more “successful” we appear. But what happens when all that striving leaves us running on empty?
Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28 are profound, “Come to Me, all you who are weary.”
His invitation is for those who are feeling tired and longing for peace that lasts.
The world tells us rest is weakness. But the kingdom of God reveals rest as strength, because when we pause in His presence, we discover that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
What Rest in Jesus Looks Like
Rest from Striving – The cross already declared “It is finished” (John 19:30).
Rest from Fear – “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Rest from Self-Reliance – “The Lord is my strength and my shield.” (Psalm 28:7)
Rest from Striving On the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The work of salvation is complete; we cannot add to it through endless striving. Yet how often do we live as though everything depends on us? Rest in Christ means laying down the heavy yoke of performance and receiving the finished work of the cross. It is the freedom to serve, not out of desperation to earn God’s favor, but from a place of already being accepted and loved.
Rest from Fear The psalmist writes, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Fear pushes us to hurry, to grasp for control, and to live in constant anxiety about tomorrow. But true rest comes when we stop running and remember who God is. He is sovereign, faithful, and unshakable. Stillness is the choice to trust that God is greater than the storm around us. Resting in His power frees us from the grip of fear.
Rest from Self-Reliance David declared, “The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Psalm 28:7). So often, we burn out because we rely on our own strength. We believe that if we just push harder, we can hold everything together. But rest comes when we acknowledge our weakness and draw from God’s strength. He shields us when we are vulnerable and empowers us when we are empty. To rest from self-reliance is to surrender control and allow God’s Spirit to carry us further than we ever could on our own.
This rest is working with God’s strength instead of against it.
And God has always cared for the weary by calling them closer.
In Gethsemane, on the eve of Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples faced their greatest test and failed. Though Jesus asked them to watch and pray, they fell asleep under the weight of sorrow and weakness (Matthew 26:41). Instead of scolding them harshly, Jesus pointed them to the root: “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” His call was to remain awake in prayer, knowing that strength comes not from human willpower but from leaning on God. Even in their failure, Christ’s compassion reveals the truth: real rest and endurance come through staying close to Him.
Practical Steps for a Restful Life
Begin with Prayer – Start in surrender, finish in gratitude.
Withdraw Like Jesus – He often went to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). If He needed solitude, so do we.
Dwell in His Peace – God calls us to stillness, where His presence restores our souls.
Lay Down Burdens You Don’t Need to Carry – What are you holding that God never asked you to?
Feed on Scripture Daily – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Luke 4:4)
Reflection Questions
What weight are you carrying today that God has not asked you to?
Where can you carve out intentional time to rest with Him?
In what areas of your life are you striving in your own strength rather than relying on His?
What step of obedience could you take this week to exchange busyness for His peace?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You in my weakness, weary and burdened by the weight of this world. Your Word says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Lord, I need that rest today.
Strengthen my heart when it feels faint. Quiet the anxious thoughts that steal my peace. Remind me that Your power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Teach me to lean on You, not on my own understanding, and to trust that You are carrying me even when my steps falter.
Renew my spirit and replace my striving with Your stillness, my fear with Your assurance, and my weariness with Your joy.
Father, help me remember that You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). I surrender my burdens into Your hands. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit, that I may rise with new strength, walking in Your light and hope.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
When you rest in Christ, you move forward in His strength.
If you’re ready to grow deeper in faith, “Sin the Great Joker” will equip and encourage you. Gift yourself a copy, or bless someone who needs this encouragement.
👉 www.sinthegreatjoker.com
And if you’ve read and loved the book, please consider leaving and meaningful and heartfelt review on Amazon. Your words could be the very encouragement someone else needs to take their next step of faith.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Help Spread the Word
Share with Friends, give the Gift of Faith and if you loved the book, please consider giving it a heartfelt and thoughtful review. Your feedback helps others discover the book and its message of hope and faith. www.sinthegreatjoker.com
Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
