Being tired is exhausting, right? I keep running, worn out, exhausted, and empty. Adding one more item to your to-do list can tip you over.
Life’s responsibilities, ongoing challenges, and daily struggles feel heavier than before. “Am I the only one?” you wonder. You’re probably wondering, “Will this season last forever?”
Although few would admit it, there is a silent prejudice that Christians cannot feel tired. We act as if we are superhumans with infinite time, energy, and resources, believing the lie that we need to work harder, pray more, read longer, and volunteer extra hours. Don’t worry, I’ve been here too.
The reality is different. Christians can feel spiritually exhausted even though they are faithful to their faith. Sometimes what we really need is deep rest for the soul, a proper rest in Jesus.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us into that rest. Rest, independent of performance, restores body, mind, and soul. If you want true rest in Jesus, try these steps.
Step #1 – Recognize and acknowledge your tiredness
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28
Jesus’ invitation sounds easy, but admitting weakness seems dangerous. We often feel so pressured to “push through” that we forget the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28 and instead believe that we can do it all on our own. But Jesus knew that we would face seasons of fatigue and hunger.
God doesn’t ask you to be stronger or try harder. God asks you to be honest with Him that you are tired. Looks scary, right? Do you admit your true feelings? Yay! But this honesty opens the door to freedom.
If you have trouble recognizing or admitting your tiredness, try writing your prayers to the Lord in your journal. Confess your true self and take off your mask. Confessing your weakness and trusting God to do what you cannot do for yourself is a sacred work.
When we are weak, God is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9 HCSB). God wants us to rest. Because it is always part of God’s plan (Ex. 20:8-10 HCSB). Admitting wearyness is the first step to receiving proper rest in Jesus.
Step #2 – Stop and accept God’s presence.
“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 HCSB
Once you acknowledge that you’re tired, the next step is to intentionally pause in your busyness. I know it feels overwhelming, but when you stop and accept God’s presence, it actually becomes lighter.
When we stop, breathe, and rest quietly in God’s presence, we are practicing surrender rather than running away. Staying still in the 21st century is not easy. Can we call it counterculture? It doesn’t make any sense to the people around you. However, the benefits outweigh the risks by a factor of 10.
Silence is an act of faith, not inactivity. That doesn’t mean we’re lazy. It means doing the best we can and trusting God to finish the job. Pausing to accept God’s presence is one of the most faithful ways to find proper rest in Jesus.
Step #3 – Feed your soul with the Bible and prayer
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 HCSB
We learned to acknowledge our tiredness and stop. So how do we feed our souls? Make small, consistent spiritual practices part of your rhythm.
1. Read the Bible a little in the morning and in the evening. Instead of one long session, split it into two short sessions. On tough days, give yourself some grace. It’s not the length of time that matters, but the attitude of the mind.
2. When you feel anxious, take a deep breath and mentally recite the Bible. Short poems calm the mind and stabilize the mind.
3. Learn to pray throughout the day. Prayer doesn’t have to be limited to quiet time. Pray while you are showering, driving, walking, or doing chores around the house. Talking to God regularly helps us stay connected and helps us find proper rest in Jesus.
Such practices connect the Bible and prayer to emotional and spiritual recovery. The truth of God’s Word becomes a steadying presence that uplifts us.
Step #4 – Align your life to God’s rhythm.
“Therefore the Sabbath remains to the people of God.” —Hebrews 4:9 HCSB
This step may be controversial. Make rest a rhythm, not just an escape. The Bible reveals that God worked and then rested. The Sabbath is woven into the very fabric of the created order. If you want lasting recovery, you need to create a sustainable rhythm of work and rest.
Study the Sabbath and ask God what it will look like in your life. Can I take one day off from work a week? Can you set a limit on the number of hours you can work per day (for example, no more than 8 hours)? Why not try working less time and more focused time?
If you overwork 6 out of 7 days, one day off is not enough. Proper rest in Jesus requires a consistent rhythm, including rest days, time off from social media, and daily breaks. I learned this the hard way, but this December I am challenging myself to rest. We encourage you to do the same.
Step #5 – Seek community and support
“Let us consider ways to encourage one another to love and good works.” —Hebrews 10:24
Rest rarely occurs in isolation. We need a community of accountability, encouragement, and practical support. Get support from others. Join a small group, find a spiritual mentor, and consider counseling if needed.
These supports can help prevent isolation, reduce burnout, and practice proper rest in Jesus together.
Finding a community group isn’t always easy, but here are some places to start.
-Join your church’s Bible study or small group. If you can’t find one, try creating one or look for another church or religious organization.
– Try a new hobby. Join a book club, dance class, running group, or Pilates class. Do what interests you and build a community in that space.
-Put yourself in a place where you have to meet new people. Work at a library or coffee shop when you have time. Then, be brave and say hello. When I go to a new place, I always pray for a “promise from God” and ask the Lord to make that connection.
call to rest
Friends, proper rest does not lie in our to-do lists or self-efforts, but in Jesus. We work hard, but rest is a gift we must receive, not something we create.
This week, try one small habit. Acknowledge how you’re really feeling, stop for five minutes to breathe and pray, read a short psalm, or intentionally plan an hour of Sabbath-style rest. Small steps into divine rhythm can open the door to deeper rebirth.
Even if you feel spiritually tired, it does not mean you are experiencing spiritual failure. God’s grace sustains us. you are human You are allowed to feel tired and tired. And God will find you there. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6–7 HCSB
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/tommaso79
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up, Amber looked for resources on faith and mental health, but couldn’t find anything. Now, she gives hope to young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond just reading the Bible and praying more. Because even though we love Jesus, we can still be plagued by anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help you navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
