Message Minute (Permission to Rest)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

Summer has this magical way of slowing things down, doesn't it? The longer days, the warm evenings, the sound of kids playing outside until well past dinnertime. There's something in the air that whispers, "It's okay to take a breath."

But here's the thing—many of us have forgotten how to truly rest. We've bought into the lie that our worth is tied to our productivity, that slowing down means falling behind. Jesus thinks differently. He literally invites us to come when we're exhausted and promises to give us rest. Not just a nap or a vacation, but deep soul rest.

This summer, what if we took Him up on that invitation? What if we saw these warmer months not as time to pack in more activities, but as God's gift of slower rhythms? Think about it—even farmers know fields need to lie fallow to be productive again.

God rested on the seventh day, not because He was tired, but because rest is holy. It's built into the very fabric of creation. When we rest, we're not being lazy; we're being obedient. We're declaring that our identity isn't found in our accomplishments but in whose we are.

So give yourself permission this summer. Permission to say no to that extra commitment. Permission to sit on the porch and do absolutely nothing. Permission to trust that the world won't fall apart if you take a breather.

Reflection Question: What's been keeping you from truly resting, and how might God be inviting you to let go of those barriers this summer?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for seeing my weariness and offering rest. Help me accept Your invitation without guilt or shame. Teach me that rest isn't selfish—it's sacred. Amen.