Soul Rest

A dear friend — a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother — was recently diagnosed with cancer. Just weeks before, she was in full mom-mode, helping her daughter prepare for the wedding of her dreams. The photos were pure joy: decorating the venue, fixing every detail, and beaming with love.

Then came the diagnosis. Life can screech to a halt like that — one unexpected turn, and the road you thought you were on suddenly changes.

This is where I hold onto the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.”

Let’s be honest — sometimes what we call “rest” doesn’t work. A nap leaves us more tired. Lounging on the sofa watching Wheel of Fortune can stir up more frustration (“They win $100,000 with a spin, and someone else is praying for $500 to fix their car!”). Dissatisfaction creeps in, and restlessness returns.

Jesus offers something far deeper: soul-rest. He doesn’t ask how we got weary; He simply invites us to lay it down. This isn’t just physical rest — it’s a peace that seeps into our mind, body, and spirit. It’s the assurance we are unconditionally loved, safely held, and never alone.

Soul-rest grows in the soil of trust. It’s not enough to say we trust God — we have to lean on Him with our full weight. Each time we deliberately choose trust, fear loses its grip, anxiety backs off, and worry can’t boss us around. From personal experience I have learned the relief that comes from letting God be God.

If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or feeling like you’re running on empty — whether it’s from illness, loss, responsibilities, or the grind of daily life — hear Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me”.

True abundance isn’t in busyness or success — it’s in a life overflowing with His love, anchored in His peace, and restored in His presence.

Lord, thank You for restoring our souls. Teach us to trust You fully so we can rest deeply in You. Amen.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want… He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-3)