“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
At the Water’s Edge
You’re standing on the edge of a quiet lake. The sun is barely rising, brushing soft gold across the surface. Your arms feel heavy, from everything you’ve been holding in. The questions, the fatigue, the restless thoughts that haven’t let you sleep. You’ve prayed, yes, but if you’re honest, sometimes your prayers have felt like echoing into a void.
Then, from behind you, you hear the crunch of footsteps on gravel. It’s Him, The Lord, Jesus.
He doesn’t say anything at first, He comes and sits beside you, the hem of His robe gathering lake mist. You notice the kindness in His eyes, He doesn’t feel pity, there’s a deep understanding in His eyes.
He speaks gently: “Tell me what you’re carrying.” Now, for the first time in a long time, you do.
You talk about the anxiety that keeps you braced for impact, the ache of not feeling good enough, the weight of responsibility, of trying to keep it all together for everyone else. And you share the spiritual weariness that no one sees behind your ministry or your smile.
He listens attentively, before saying something you didn’t expect: “You were never meant to carry all of that without me.”
This reminds me of Elijah, even prophets can get depleted. After a great victory, Elijah fled and collapsed under a tree, begging to die. God didn’t scold him. He fed him, gave him rest and reminded him that he wasn’t alone.
Jesus does the same with you. You are not alone. Let go of the Load.
Unlike humans he’s not rushing your healing. He doesn’t demand a performance, He knows you. He invites you into rest, honesty, and a sacred space. As a beloved friend who is seen and known.
Sometimes we confuse surrender with weakness. But true surrender for those battling and experiencing chronic stress and extreme depression, anxiety, or burnout, is one of the most courageous things we can do. This isn’t about giving up; it’s giving over. There’s a difference, friend.
When your thoughts spiral, and your body is tense, when your joy feels buried under responsibilities or regrets, Jesus offers peace, because He is peace.
Today’s Practice:
Find a quiet spot, even if just for five minutes. Sit as if Jesus is right beside you. Because, He is. Speak to Him like you would to a trusted friend, to yourself when no one is watching. Don’t editing nor hiding how you truly feel. Simply be.
When you’re done talking, let silence speak back. Even if you don’t hear a word, you’ll feel a loosening inside those places that you felt you couldn’t rest. Trust and believe that that’s Him too.
Pray with me: Jesus, I am tired. Tired in my body, in my mind, in places I can’t even name. Thank You for not rushing me. For not needing me to perform. Thank You for sitting beside me in the fog and offering rest, not rebuke. Thank You for loving me, just the way I am. Thank You for allowing me to feel, for giving time to rest. Thank You for this space. Help me to let You carry what I can’t. Lord, I pray and surrender in Jesus’ name, Amen.
©️2025 Denise Kilby New Hope MHCLC Assoc. All rights reserved.
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