Rhythm of Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s all about balance.” Yet, a relentless cultural push prods us to keep moving onward or fall behind! Eventually, we grow weary and discover that balance in life seems unattainable. The cadence of work and rest modeled by Jesus, infused with His intended order, gives us hope! While rhythms provide a framework for real rest to occur, what Jesus offers isn’t just a list of habits or a to-do list. His words in Matthew 11 draw us close, reminding us that life with Him is like a dance. We move together, but as anyone who has done the cha-cha or whirled the waltz knows, the dance is only as beautiful as the cooperation between the leader and the follower. When Jesus leads, and we follow, the dance is just right!

The rhythm of rest that Jesus offers can be experienced in time spent connecting with God. He wants to frame our day with His love and the reality of His presence. Pausing to talk with God throughout the day in random prayer, reading scripture, or ingesting a devotional, are a few things that lend to cultivating a daily rhythm of connecting with the Savior, leading to peace and rest. God invites us to press the pause button regularly, trusting that He holds us together. Living in a world burdened by sin and distractions, it can be easy to ignore the gift of rest that Jesus provides. Thankfully, He is always there when we call on Him.

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Here are a few scriptures to help you pause and reflect on the perfect rest found in Jesus. Pray over them and be encouraged today!

“In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You” (Isaiah 26.3).

“The Lord replied, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (Exodus 33:14).

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint” (Jeremiah 31:25).

Prayer: Almighty God in heaven we praise you! Thank you for providing rest when we are weary and tired. Help us to pause from the busyness of life to look to You daily. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen!

Final thought: The rhythm of rest flows from Jesus and we can trust Him with our day!