If you’re like most men, you have a lot on your plate. On bad days, the weight of all you’re carrying feels like it’s going to crush the plate altogether. But if it’s any comfort, you’re not alone. For many men, life can sometimes feel like a freight train barreling down on us.
We live in a world that glorifies hustle. Be honest: how often do you end the day holding a longer to-do list than you started with? Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and trying to be the man God calls us to be, it’s easy to feel crushed under the weight. We’re husbands, fathers, workers, and leaders in our churches, and the pressure to juggle it all can leave us drained, restless, and wondering if we can ever be enough. But that drowning feeling should be our cue to draw more fully on the peace of God. Our Lord doesn’t just give us a way to survive the chaos; He invites us to find real rest in Him.
Peace in Surrendering
This isn’t just about taking a quick nap or indulging in a weekend getaway, though those can help. What God offers is a deep, soul-level rest that anchors us no matter what’s swirling around. Jesus Himself said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.” (Matthew 11:28-29, NIV) That’s not just a nice sentiment; it’s a promise. When we’re running on empty, God isn’t standing there with a clipboard, grading our performance. He’s holding out His arms in support, a loving Father inviting His child to lean in and be comforted.
After years of trying it every other way, we’ve learned that finding rest starts with surrendering control. We like to think we can muscle through on sheer grit and willpower, but as Admiral Ackbar would say, “It’s a trap!” We’re not built to carry the world on our shoulders. Only God can do that. So, we start by carving out time to be with Him. Instead of a rushed prayer before bed, we need real, intentional moments where we open our Bibles, quiet our hearts, and listen. It might be five minutes in the morning with a cup of coffee and a Psalm or a long walk where we talk to God about what’s weighing us down. Those moments in conversation with Him remind us that He’s in charge, and we’re not.
Rest also means trusting God’s timing. We often get overwhelmed because we’re trying to fix everything now. But God’s perspective is bigger. He’s not in a rush, and He’s not overwhelmed by our problems. When we trust that He’s working things out, even when we can’t see it, we can let go of the need to control every outcome. Leaving your worries in God’s hands feels like unclenching a fist you didn’t even realize you were holding tight. That trust frees us to focus on what’s in front of us—loving our wives, guiding our kids, serving our churches—without having to carry the weight of the whole world.
Rest Through Relationship
Another key to finding rest is fellowship with the community of believers. When we’re running on empty, our instinct is often to isolate ourselves, to tough it out alone. But God wired us for connection. He calls us to walk alongside other men who can point us back to Him. Through godly friendships and mentoring relationships, we see men grow stronger and lean on each other. Older believers pouring into younger ones, brothers sharing wisdom and praying together, men coming through for each other when troubles arise. This is how we fulfill God’s command to bear each other’s burdens.
Think about David’s words in Psalm 62:1: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” (NIV) David didn’t write that from a place of comfort, kicking back in a hammock with a cold drink in one hand and a book in the other. He was often on the run, living rough, overwhelmed by enemies and betrayal. Yet he found rest by anchoring his soul in God. We can do the same by carving out time to pray, read Scripture, and listen for God’s voice. And when we do that in community, whether with a small group, a mentor, or a brother in Christ, it’s like oxygen for our weary souls.
Get honest. Share what’s overwhelming you. Pray together. Let someone speak truth into your life. The Bible reminds us, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV) There’s something powerful about another man looking you in the eye and reminding you that God’s got this. The reason we pour so much into building strong men’s ministries is because we need each other in order to stay grounded.
Practical Steps to Rest
Rest doesn’t mean quitting your job or abandoning your family. It means reordering your life around God’s priorities. Start small: set aside ten minutes each morning to pray and read a Psalm. Ask God to show you what needs to stay and what needs to go. Maybe it’s saying no to that extra commitment that’s draining you. Maybe it’s asking for help from your brothers at church. We’ve found that when we’re honest about our limits, God meets us there.
Another step? Get intentional about community. Join or start a men’s group at your church. Find a mentor who’s walked the path ahead of you. Share your struggles and pray together. We’ve seen men come alive when they realize they’re not alone in the fight. Rest isn’t just about stopping; it’s about being filled up by God and encouraged by the men He’s placed around you.
We know it’s not easy. The demands don’t stop, and the world keeps shouting that we need to do more, be more. But God’s voice is different. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV) That’s where we find rest. We don’t need to escape life; we just need to anchor ourselves in Him. So, let’s take it one step at a time. Open your Bible today. Call a brother. Trust God with what’s overwhelming you.
True rest is there to be found in Jesus Christ, and it’s closer than you think.
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Want to dive deeper into growing as a man of God? Visit the Man in the Mirror website to explore resources that can strengthen your walk with Christ. Whether you’re looking to build a thriving men’s ministry at your church, connect with a mentor, or grow through faith-centered friendships, we’re here to equip you. Join us in pursuing biblical manhood and finding rest in God together.
