“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?” Jesus, in one translation of Matthew 11, poses this question which draws a resounding “Yes” from our souls. If the problem is a spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion, the only solution is a spiritual, emotional, and physical rhythm of rest. Jesus, our Shepherd, invites us to join Him in a new type of life where our souls can be truly refreshed. In choosing to rest or, in some instances, being forced to rest, we become aware of God’s power to sustain the world around us without our help. Healthy, biblical rest is not an act of laziness or weakness, it’s an act of submission to God’s power and acceptance of God’s grace.
