At times I’ve found myself saying with the Psalmist David, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.”[1] I’ve pictured myself flying away—escaping, if you will, to some sunny beach or cozy mountain town or perhaps a desert getaway where I could leave my cares behind and just rest!

Jesus totally understands that we need rest because He Himself got tired. John 4 tells that once he was walking from Judea to Galilee, a distance of about 65 miles.  When he got to Sychar in Samaria, “Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well.”[2]

At the end of one busy day of ministry, He climbed into a nearby fishing boat and asked his disciples to take Him across to the other side of the lake. As they left the shoreline, Jesus made Himself comfortable on a pillow in the stern of the boat and fell asleep. Suddenly, a violent storm arose and the boat was being swamped by the waves; but Jesus slept on. Only when the disciples called to Him did He awaken and calm the storm.

A few days later, Jesus sent his disciples out to minister. When they returned after their travels, so many were people coming and going that Jesus and his disciples didn’t even have time to eat. He said to them, “‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”[3]

Yes, Jesus knows we need rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,” He said, “and I will give you rest.”[4] “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”[5]

Isaiah 40:31 says, “They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” In the scriptures, the word wait infers trusting Him until He gives you the strength you need. That’s the secret. Hold on, tired trooper! Rest is on the way!

[1] Psalm 55:6

[2] John 4:6 NLT

[3] John 6:31 NLT

[4] Matthew 11:28 NIV

[5] Jeremiah 31:25