Feeling Empty? 5 Ways to Rest Your Soul in Jesus
You’re tired of being tired, aren’t you? Worn down, weary, and running on empty. If one more item is added to your to-do list, you might topple.
Life’s responsibilities, ongoing trials, and the daily grind feel heavier than they used to. You wonder: “Am I the only one?” You wonder: "Will this season last forever?"
While few of us admit it, there’s a quiet stigma that Christians can’t feel tired. We act as if we’re superhuman, with infinite time, energy, and resources, and we believe 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 drained even while being faithful to their faith. Sometimes what we really need is soul-deep rest, proper rest in Jesus.
In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus invites us into that rest. A rest that isn’t contingent on our performance but restores body, mind, and soul. If you’re longing for true rest in Jesus, try these steps.
Step #1 - Recognize and Admit Your Weariness
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 HCSB
Jesus’ invitation sounds simple, and yet admitting weakness feels risky. We often feel pressure to “push through,” forgetting Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28 and believing instead that we can do it all on our own. But Jesus knew we would face seasons of exhaustion and famine.
God doesn’t ask you to be stronger or try harder; He asks you to be honest about your weariness with Him. Sounds scary, right? Admitting how you really feel? Yikes! But this honesty opens the door to freedom.
If you struggle to recognize or admit your weariness, try journaling a prayer to the Lord. Confess how you’re really doing and take off the mask. It’s holy work to confess weakness and then trust Him to do what you cannot.
When we’re weak, then He is strong (2 Cor 12:9 HCSB). God desires to give us rest because it has always been part of His design (Ex 20:8–10 HCSB). Admitting weariness is the first step toward receiving proper rest in Jesus.
Step #2 - Pause and Receive God’s Presence
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 HCSB
After admitting we’re weary, the next move is to pause, intentionally, amid the busyness. I know you’re overwhelmed, but pausing and receiving God’s presence actually lightens the load.
When we stop, breathe, and rest quietly in God’s presence, we’re practicing surrender rather than escape. Pausing in the 21st century isn't easy. Might I say it's countercultural? It doesn't make sense to anyone around you. But the benefits outweigh the risks tenfold.
Stillness is an act of faith, not inactivity. It doesn’t mean we’re lazy; it means we do what we can and then trust God to finish the work. Pausing to receive God’s presence is one of the most faithful ways to access proper rest in Jesus.
Step #3 - Feed Your Soul with Scripture and Prayer
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 HCSB
We’ve admitted weariness and learned to pause. Now, how do we nourish the soul? Make small, consistent spiritual practices part of your rhythm:
1. Read the Bible in small doses morning and evening. Instead of one long session, split it into two shorter sessions. On hard days, give yourself grace — it’s about the posture of your heart, not the length of time.
2. When anxiety rises, take deep breaths and mentally recite Scripture. Short verses can calm the mind and ground our hearts.
3. Learn to pray throughout your day. Prayer doesn’t need to be confined to quiet time. Pray while showering, driving, walking, or doing chores. Talking with God regularly helps us stay connected and makes it easier to receive proper rest in Jesus.
Practices like these connect Scripture and prayer to emotional and mental restoration. The truth of God’s Word becomes a steadying presence that refreshes us.
Step #4 - Align Life with God’s Rhythms
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.” — Hebrews 4:9 HCSB
This step can feel controversial: make rest a rhythm, not only an escape. Scripture reveals that God worked and then rested; the Sabbath is woven into the very fabric of the created order. If we want lasting restoration, we must create sustainable rhythms of work and rest.
Study the Sabbath and ask God how a Sabbath might look in your life. Could you take one day a week off from work? Could you set a daily limit for work hours — for example, no more than eight hours? Could you challenge yourself to work fewer, but more focused hours?
If you overwork six out of seven days, one day off won’t be enough. Proper rest in Jesus requires consistent rhythms: rest days, unplugging from social media, and daily pauses. I've learned this the hard way, but this December, I'm challenging myself to rest, and I'd encourage you to do the same.
Step #5 - Seek Community and Support
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” — Hebrews 10:24 HCSB
Rest rarely happens in isolation. We need community for accountability, encouragement, and practical help. Invite others to hold you up. Join a small group, find a spiritual mentor, and consider counseling when needed.
These supports prevent isolation, reduce burnout, and help us practice proper rest in Jesus together.
Finding community groups isn't always easy, but here are a few places I'd start:
-Join a Bible study or Small group at your Church. If you can't find one, consider creating one or looking around at other churches and religious organizations.
-Try a new hobby. Join a book club, dance class, running group, or pilates class. Engage in things that interest you and build community in those spaces.
-Put yourself in places where you will be forced to meet new people. Work from a library or coffee shop when you have the capacity. Then, be bold and say hello. I always pray for "divine appointments" when I'm in new places and ask the Lord to make those connections.
A Call to Rest
Friends, proper rest is found in Jesus, not in our to-do lists or self-effort. As hard as we work, rest is not something we manufacture — it is a gift to receive.
This week, try one small practice: admit how you’re really doing, pause for five minutes to breathe and pray, read a short Psalm, or schedule one intentional hour of Sabbath-style rest. One small step toward God’s rhythm can open the door to more profound renewal.
If you’re feeling spiritually fatigued, that doesn't mean you're experiencing spiritual failure. God’s grace sustains us. You are human. You're allowed to be tired and weary. And He will find you there. As Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us:
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6–7 HCSB
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/tommaso79
Originally published December 02, 2025.
