True Rest is Found in the Lord
13th OCTOBER 2025
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [Matthew 11:28–29 NIV]
Let’s talk for a moment about the glorification of hustle culture. This world exists to drain us. It is almost designed to make you weary. You struggle in school, you struggle to get a job, you struggle to get promoted, you struggle to get married, you struggle to raise a child, and the cycle continues endlessly. It feels like you can never catch a break on this uphill climb called life. And to make matters worse, not everyone around us is striving to do what’s right or to make life easier. The world is full of people whose actions stem from selfishness and wickedness. People sometimes delight in the suffering of others. You may not always recognise who they are, but imagine striving and hustling alongside someone secretly wishing for your downfall. It’s enough to make your heart grow tired. We’ve even reached a place where people compare hardships, “let’s see who has suffered more than whom.” It’s absurd, but it reveals how weary and competitive our culture has become.
Then comes Jesus, with this powerful invitation in Matthew 11. He tells us He will give us rest… but then adds that He has a yoke for us to carry. At first glance, it sounds almost contradictory, like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. But here’s the beautiful truth: it isn’t. The Creator of the universe, the all-powerful God, can relate to us. He put on humanity and walked this earth so that when we cry out to Him, He understands where we’re coming from. He genuinely cares for us and always has our best interests at heart. Every rule He gives, every instruction He makes, every “yoke” He asks us to bear is ultimately for our good and His glory. Some of these yokes, these lessons, disciplines, or seasons of surrender, may feel unpleasant at first. They may even seem heavy. But in the end, they refine us, draw us closer to His likeness, and shape us into people who reflect His heart.
This scripture reminds us that when we take His yoke, we will find rest for our souls. Notice that Jesus never said bad things wouldn’t happen. In fact, in John 16:33, He tells us plainly: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Troubles will come, that’s certain but the rest and peace Jesus offers go deeper than our circumstances. It is a rest for the soul. It is a quiet assurance that remains even when storms rage.
When we live under His government, under His rule, His wisdom, His authority, we find that our hearts are steadied. We may still walk through fire, but Isaiah 43:2 reminds us: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” There will be rivers, but they will not drown us. There will be fire, but it will not consume us. There will be trials, but when we have taken Jesus’ yoke, when we have chosen to trust in Him and come under His divine government, we will find true rest for our souls.
How do we practically align ourselves with God’s government? First, by reading His Word. You cannot obey a King you do not know. You must understand His nature, His thoughts, and His commands, and we are blessed that He left us His Word as a guide. The Bible speaks into every area of life, offering wisdom for every season. Second, by confiding in Him. Prayer is not a ritual; it is a conversation. Speak to Him daily. Bring your worries before Him instead of carrying them alone. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us that when we choose prayer over anxiety, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me to come to You when I am weary. Teach me to lay down my burdens and to take up Your yoke with joy. Help me to rest under Your government, to trust that every command, every season, and every test You allow is for my good. May I find peace in knowing that You are gentle and humble in heart, and that in You, my soul will always find rest. Amen.
Further Reading: John 16:33, Isaiah 43:2, Philippians 4:6 — 7
Bible In One Year: Acts 11–14
