Tired of Trying

Read

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

Think

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough? You pray, you push, you pour yourself out, yet the breakthrough doesn’t come. You try to fix what’s broken, hold everything together, and keep showing up—even when you’re exhausted.

We know this battle well—the endless striving to make things happen in our own strength. But what if God never intended for us to carry it all? What if the exhaustion we feel is an invitation to surrender instead of strive?

Jesus spoke directly to the weary when he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He didn’t say, “Try harder, do more, be stronger.” He said, “Come.” That’s the difference. Striving tells us we must keep pushing, but surrender says we can rest in his strength.

The Apostle Paul learned this firsthand. He prayed for God to remove his weakness, but instead, God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul didn’t need more effort—he needed more trust.

Maybe today, God isn’t asking you to try harder but to let go. Instead of holding everything together, release it to him. Instead of carrying the weight, let him lift it. The strength you need won’t come from pushing through—it will come from falling into his grace.

You don’t have to keep striving. You are already seen and loved. The breakthrough doesn’t come from trying—it comes from trusting the One who holds it all.

Apply

Ask for help – rest doesn’t mean isolation. Talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor and share what you’re carrying. Sometimes, God’s rest comes through the encouragement of others.

Pray

Lord, I am tired of trying to do it all on my own. I come to you, laying down my burdens and trusting that your strength is enough. Help me to surrender, rest in your grace, and find peace in knowing that you hold it all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.