July is a month we dream of rest. Long summer evenings, beach vacations, time to sit, relax, and catch our breath. But for many of us, those things remain dreams. Sure, we may have a few more relaxing moments in summer, but work, finances, children, caregiving, or other responsibilities keep those TV images or TikTok stories out of our reach. We feel overwhelmed and rest feels like something for other people – not for us. We want it, but we never feel like we actually get it.
So, what does rest really mean when life does not slow down?
The Rest We Want vs. the Rest We Really Need
When we think of rest, we think of escape – a nap, a weekend away, or just a break from everything. But biblical rest, that kind that really refreshes, is deeper than that. It’s not just physical, it’s spiritual. It isn’t found in a place, but in a Person.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
When Jesus said that, He was speaking to working-class Jews in the first century; they certainly were not taking vacations the way we think of them. He saw their weariness, the endless needs, and the long to-do-lists. They, too, were working long hours, caring for parents and for children – and without modern conveniences. But He offered rest, not just for the body but also for the soul.
Misunderstood Rest
Many of us think we are resting when we are really avoiding. We scroll social media and binge watch TV late at night. We avoid conversations or decisions that seem too much to deal with. But this kind of “rest” does not restore us – it just drains us more. Real rest is found when we go to Jesus. When we give Him our cares, our stress, and our insecurities. He promises to hear us, and when we trust Him and obey His Word, He will give us comfort and peace.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for He grants sleep to those He loves.
Psalm 127:2
Those who seek help and guidance from God receive His blessings – even sleep.
While Jesus was on earth, He faced pressure all the time. People wanted healed, to ask Him questions, to attack Him – and even to kill Him. The Bible tells us several times that He went away by Himself or with just His close disciples to rest. But almost all of those instances mention that He prayed. Even Jesus found rest in talking to God. How much more do we need to follow His example?
And when we do rest, whether spiritually or physically, it is not wrong. It does not make us lazy. It is not a waste of time. From Creation, God built rest into our lives. God worked for six days and then rested on the seventh. He wasn’t tired – He was showing us a rhythm for living.
So, if you feel life just never gives you a break, if you are weary and tired, do not try to revive yourself with things that last mere seconds. Instead, make sure you are talking to the God who can take away your fear. Who can renew your strength. Who can carry you when you cannot walk yourself and who takes your heavy burdens and replaces them with rest.
Sign up to receive more hope from HOPE 100.7 via email.
"*" indicates required fields
