We live in a world that glorifies hustle. From the moment we wake up until we lay our heads down at night, there’s a constant push to do more, achieve more, and be more. We wear our busyness like a badge of honor, yet deep down, many of us are exhausted, anxious, and wondering if all this striving is truly worth it.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, the author wrestles with this very question: “What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 2:22). The answer, according to the text, is often heartbreaking: “All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest.” This passage hits home, doesn’t it? So many of us know what it’s like to lie awake at night, our minds racing with the worries and stresses of the day.
But here’s the thing: this kind of life, filled with anxiety and endless striving, isn’t what God intended for us.
Jesus offers us a different way. He invites us into a life of rest and purpose, one that is not defined by how much we achieve but by how deeply we are connected to Him. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. But it’s also more than just a break from work. Rest in Jesus means trusting Him with our lives, our worries, and our futures. It means understanding that our value doesn’t come from what we do but from who we are in Christ.
So, how do we shift from a life of meaningless toil to one of purpose and rest?
Reevaluate Your Priorities: Take a step back and ask yourself: What am I working for? Is it for God’s glory or my own? When our work is aligned with God’s purpose, it becomes more than just a job—it becomes a calling.
Embrace Rest as a Spiritual Practice: Jesus took time to rest, and so should we. Make rest a regular part of your routine—not just physical rest, but spiritual rest in God’s presence.
Seek Purpose in Every Task: Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us to work with all our hearts as if working for the Lord. Even in the mundane, we can find purpose when we do everything for God’s glory.
Trust God with Your Worries: Lay your anxieties at the feet of Jesus. He is more than capable of handling them. When we trust Him with our burdens, we can experience the peace that only He can give.
This week, I encourage you to reflect on your life. Are you caught up in endless striving, or are you finding rest and purpose in Jesus? Remember, you are more than your work. You are a beloved child of God, called to live a life that reflects His love and peace.
May you find true rest in Him this week.
Blessings,
Pastor Erica