Unforced Rhythms of Grace | Learning Real Rest

Key Thought | Real rest isn’t a nap; it’s a settled soul. Jesus teaches us to live at His pace, with His peace, through relationship and trust.

Key Scripture | “I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it… Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” —Matthew 11:28–30 MSG

This week, we are taking a journey through this passage. Today, let’s look at a few specific sentences from Jesus’ invitation.

“I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”

I’ll be honest; I’m not great at resting. I can take a nap with the best of them, but that’s not rest; that’s just a nap. Real rest is internal. It’s when my soul and spirit align and I’m at peace.

Jesus lived with perfect peace. The peace He carried came from being 100% in the will of God and 100% secure in His relationship with the Father. He never questioned that relationship. Take a moment and imagine what it would be like to live with that kind of security.

I’m convinced many Christians aren’t fully sure where they stand with Jesus. Not in terms of salvation, though that matters too, but in terms of relational security. The confidence that:

• I am known by Him.
• I know Him.
• There is nothing standing between us.
  
  

Jesus wants to show us how to live from that place of rest. He is the best to ever do it, and if we will slow down long enough, He is more than willing to teach us.

“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.”

Great teachers teach by example, not just by words. Jesus is the greatest teacher because He demonstrates how to live. He was never in a hurry. My joke is that He never ran anywhere. He walked everywhere.

Some may say that’s because He is God and knows everything. But Jesus lived and operated through the same Holy Spirit we’ve been given. The difference is that His trust in the Father was unshakable.

That trust didn’t come simply because He was divine. It came from relationship, closeness, and time spent with the Father.

Imagine what might change in our lives if we simply asked God, “What needs to change? What pace do You want me to walk? What rhythm do You want to set?”

So often I want Jesus to come with me and help me with my work, while Jesus is inviting me to come with Him and join His work. It is far more fruitful when I take Him up on His invitation.

Prayer | Jesus, teach me what real rest looks like. Slow my pace and quiet my soul so I can walk with You instead of racing ahead. Show me the rhythms You want for my life, and help me build unshakable trust through relationship with You. Amen.

Reflection

• Where do you feel hurried or restless internally?
• What rhythm or pace might Jesus be inviting you to adjust today?

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!