Episode 3: Finding Rest in Jesus

Eric Marquette

This is Episode 3! Welcome back to our 'Restore My Soul' series! Alright, let’s take a moment and really think about this invitation from Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” It’s such a powerful, compassionate statement, isn’t it? It’s not a demand—it’s not a barked order. It’s a call, a gentle invitation for those of us who are just, well, exhausted. And let's face it, that’s so many of us these days, right?

Eric Marquette

Now, Jesus is speaking directly to the weary and burdened here. He’s recognizing the weight—the weight of expectations, of responsibilities, of life in general—and saying, “Hey, you don’t have to carry that alone.” It’s not like He’s ignoring the challenges we face, you know? Instead, He’s offering us something better, a new way to handle those burdens.

Eric Marquette

But here’s where it gets interesting: Jesus talks about a “yoke.” And I know, I know, that term may not hit us the same way today as it would’ve back then. A yoke, in its simplest sense, was this heavy, wooden tool placed on oxen to help them pull loads. It was meant to make the work manageable but... man, it didn’t exactly scream “easy” or “light,” right?

Eric Marquette

Jesus flips that imagery though. He says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” His yoke represents partnership—working alongside Him. It’s not about adding more to our plates but actually lightening the weight. He’s gentle. He’s patient. And He’s walking shoulder to shoulder with us. Not ahead, not behind, right there beside us.

Eric Marquette

And you know, when you think about it, what really stands out is the contrast between what Jesus offers and what the world piles on us. Societal pressures, the constant hustle to succeed, to keep up—it’s relentless. But Jesus steps in and says, “That’s not Me. I’m here to give you grace, to give you rest.” It’s such a profound shift, isn’t it?

Eric Marquette

So, yeah, this invitation isn’t just about slowing down or taking a breather. It’s about redefining how we live, how we carry the weight of life—with Him, instead of on our own. It’s about grace over grind, rest over restlessness.

Eric Marquette

When we talk about soul rest, it’s important to realize that it’s not just about physical relief or the absence of a busy schedule. It’s something bigger than that; it’s full renewal—mental, emotional, spiritual. It’s about hitting pause on the worry, the striving, and finding real peace deep inside. And let’s be honest, that kind of peace isn’t something we can create for ourselves. It’s a gift from Jesus.

Eric Marquette

But what makes this kind of rest so unique? I think it starts with trust—trusting Jesus to carry what we can’t. You see, soul rest isn’t about escaping challenges; it’s about walking through them differently. It’s about believing that Jesus isn’t just watching us from a distance, He’s holding our burdens right alongside us. And that’s, well, that’s powerful, isn’t it?

Eric Marquette

Now, one of the best ways to step into this rest is by creating space to be still, to reconnect with God. Practices like prayer, where you can pour out what’s weighing you down, or meditating on Scripture, can really shift our perspective. You know, verses like “Be still and know that I am God” remind us to stop shouldering everything ourselves. It’s like a reset button for the soul.

Eric Marquette

And these aren’t just religious rituals—they’re lifelines. In the middle of a chaotic week, taking even a few minutes to focus on God’s presence can bring a calm that the world just doesn’t offer. It’s not always easy to carve out that time, but man, does it make a difference when we do.

Eric Marquette

What I find so meaningful is this idea that soul rest doesn’t depend on our circumstances. It’s about who we’re trusting in the middle of those circumstances. Jesus promises rest for our souls, not a life free of difficulty. And I think that’s what makes His offer so real, so relatable. He knows the grind we face, and He knows exactly how to bring us through it with peace.

Eric Marquette

So, where does this leave us? Well, one of the first steps toward true soul restoration is simply naming what’s been weighing you down. Like, actually taking the time to ask yourself, “What’s been sitting heavy on my heart or my mind?” You’d be surprised by how freeing it can be to just acknowledge those burdens instead of letting them sit in the background, you know?

Eric Marquette

And once you’ve named it, it’s about releasing it—handing it over to Jesus. And I know, that probably sounds easier said than done. But think of it like this: Jesus isn’t asking you to figure it all out before coming to Him. He’s inviting you, right now, with all the mess and weight you’re carrying, to bring it to Him and trust that He can handle it. Kind of a relief, isn’t it?

Eric Marquette

Another step—and this one’s inspired by Jesus’ own life—is finding a rhythm. If you look at the Gospels, Jesus didn’t live a hurried life. He was intentional. He made time for prayer, for solitude, but also for connection with people around Him. It wasn’t about escaping the world but engaging it from a place of peace and restoration. We can do the same.

Eric Marquette

Maybe that looks like setting aside one day each week as a Sabbath—a day to pause, reflect, and rest. Or maybe it’s journaling, just a few minutes here and there, to process what’s happening in your life and bring it before God. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really about creating space for God to refresh your soul, even in the middle of a busy life.

Eric Marquette

And let’s not overlook the simple power of prayer. Sometimes, just saying, “God, I’m tired, and I need You,” can open the door for that peace we’re longing for. Jesus didn’t promise us rest because He thought we could earn it. He promised it freely, because He knows we can’t manage life’s burdens alone. That’s the beauty of His gentle leadership—He carries what we can’t.

Eric Marquette

Ultimately, this whole idea of rest—it’s not about perfection. It's not about having it all together. It’s about realizing that restoration happens when we walk with the One who knows us, loves us, and promises to carry the load. That’s the invitation Jesus offers: real rest, for all of us who are weary. And on that note, we’ll wrap it up here. Thanks for leaning into this conversation with me today. Take care, and I’ll see you next time.