I’ll be honest…there have been seasons where I was looking for rest in all the wrong places. I thought if I stayed busy in ministry, if I connected to the “right” people, or if I stayed aligned with the “right” church, I would feel fulfilled and at peace. But it only left me more drained, striving harder, and feeling empty inside.
The truth is, even good things can become counterfeit rest when we’re leaning on them instead of leaning on Jesus. Ministry can’t heal a weary soul. Titles can’t quiet an anxious heart. Alignments can’t carry the weight of our identity.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” His rest isn’t performance-driven. It’s not about who we know, what we do, or how busy we are for Him. It’s about simply being with Him and laying it all down and letting Him be enough.
When we search for rest in people, platforms, or performance, we step into striving instead of abiding. Striving says, “If I do more, maybe I’ll finally feel peace.” Abiding says, “I rest in what Jesus has already done.” True rest only flows from relationship with Him, not religious activity.
It’s important to remember: ministry is an overflow, not a source. The church is a gathering place, not our Savior. Alignments can be helpful, but they are not our anchor. Christ alone is where our souls find rest. Everything else, no matter how spiritual it looks, becomes a substitute if we put it in His place.
If you’ve been running yourself dry trying to find rest in people, platforms, or performance, let me encourage you: there’s a better way. Real rest is only found at His feet. Everything else is just a substitute.
Father, forgive me for the times I've chased after counterfeit rest. I lay down my striving, my need for approval, and every place I've tried to find peace outside of You. Teach me how to abide in Your presence and rest in what Jesus has already finished. Be my anchor, my peace, and my true rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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