When Life Overloads, Jesus Invites Us to Pause

When Life Overloads, Jesus Invites Us to Pause

by | May 27, 2026 | Peace, Rest, Trust

Christmas Joy
While on a morning walk and talking with my sister, my phone suddenly shut down. Completely.
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No warning. No texts going through. No apps tracking my walk. No way to communicate.

I ran a couple of errands before finally making it home to my computer to send a message another way. But during that window of silence, my poor sister had a full search-and-rescue operation underway. She had even enlisted my friend to drive around to look for me.

All because my phone had become overloaded and simply stopped functioning.

After deleting photos and videos and freeing up some space, I was finally able to make a call again.

Whew.

As frustrating as that moment was, it also felt like a quiet lesson wrapped inside an ordinary day.

When something is overloaded, it tends to shut down.

Step away with Jesus

And maybe that’s exactly why Jesus gave us the example of stepping away. Of going somewhere quiet to pray. To rest. To breathe.

On the heels of busy graduation celebrations, family illness, demanding schedules, emotional strain and heartbreak, and the constant noise of everyday life, perhaps many of us are carrying more than we were meant to carry alone.

Scripture tells us that Jesus invited His disciples to withdraw from the crowds and rest because they were so busy they “did not even have time to eat.” (Mark 6:31)

What grace in His call to come and rest.

What kindness in the heart of our Savior.

He also extends that same invitation to us:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)

Jesus didn’t just teach rest — He modeled it.

He rose early to pray in solitude.
He withdrew to quiet places.
He climbed mountains to pray.
He spent entire nights in communion with the Father before important decisions.

Make room for rest

Again and again, Scripture shows us that private, unhurried time with God is not optional for spiritual health. It is necessary.

So perhaps this week, we can follow His example.

Turn off the phone for a little while.
Step away from the noise.
Take a walk.
Sit quietly with the Lord.
Get some rest.

Make space for both rest and quiet reflection, trusting that in the stillness, God will faithfully restore not only your weary body, but your soul as well.

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What will it take?

What will it take?

by | Apr 28, 2022 | God, Obedience, Rest

The melodic chirping of a bird awakened me from my morning slumber. Reading in 2 Kings about the kings who did evil in the eyes of the Lord had ushered me right into sleep. With my head down, chin to my chest, I couldn’t fight it any longer.

It’s the miles, not the company, right? Trying to fit everything into the day is as familiar as the daily rising of the sun. We rush throughout the day until we collapse in bed at night, then force ourselves up the next morning to do it all again.

Once, I even fell asleep while talking to someone on the phone! How embarrassing.

What will it take to get us to slow down and rest?

Ceaseless activity is not part of God’s plan. Busyness will eventually catch up with us. There was once a man who fell asleep as he listened to the Apostle Paul preach. Problem was, he sat in a window and fell out of the third story. I wonder if his busy lifestyle finally caught up with him, too. He obviously needed rest. (Acts 20:9)

 Jesus taught us to rest by example. He also calls us to work wholeheartedly, but then to rest.

  • We can rest during trying circumstances. While in a boat with his disciples, Jesus slept during a furious storm that had seasoned fishermen fearful. (Matthew 8:23-27)
  • Removing ourselves from everyday worries and constant activities (even good ones) allows us to find rest and strength. Jesus knew when it was time to leave the crowd and headed to a mountain to pray and be alone. (Matthew 14:23)
  • Rest doesn’t always mean sleep. Resting in the middle of our journey just might present an opportunity to help someone else. Not only did Jesus stop to rest as he traveled through Samaria, that break gave Him an opportunity to meet with the Samaritan woman. Many Samaritans believed in Him as a result. (John 4:1-42)

In today’s world, rest remains a hard-to-find commodity. If we take the time to rest, we get a fresh perspective, a new outlook and renewed strength. It’s even vital for physical and mental health.

Let’s follow Jesus’ lead. Work in all our strength and power, and then take time to rest – and unplug. It might be just the thing that God uses to bless us with what is good and worthwhile.

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