What Does It Mean to Truly Find Rest?

Jesus tells us that he “will give us rest.” But what does that look like in a society marked by increasing rates of overcommitment and burnout? What does it mean to truly find rest that satisfies the soul?

In these interview clips, Curtis Zackery explains how the rest we truly need is only provided by God. In Finding Soul Rest, Zackery provides a practical guide to finding that deep soul rest that Jesus promises.

True Soul Rest

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.

PSALM 62:5, NIV

When our soul feels worn out and withered, we are tempted to feel defeated. Our natural human impulses aren’t always given over to optimism or a glass-half-full mentality. In the midst of any circumstances, it’s important to be reminded of where our rest comes from.

There is a famous song that says, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” Our souls may be seeking solace and satisfaction in a myriad of other things. It is then that we must speak to our own soul to tell it the truth. As it says in Psalm 62, the only source of true and sustainable rest is God.

The Message version of Matthew 11:28–30 says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

The idea of the “unforced rhythms of grace” brings rest and is a product of a genuine connection with Jesus. We can spend so much time working, striving, straining, and trying to manufacture a connection with God that we forget he desires to provide what we need freely. We are continually burdened by what we are attempting to carry in our own strength. He desires that we would learn to live free and light. There is a real opportunity to find real rest in a real Jesus!

When you read Matthew 11:28–30, what speaks to you in this season?

This post was adapted from Finding Soul Rest: 40 Days of Connecting with Christ by Curtis Zackery (Kirkdale Press, 2020).