How to Rest in the Weary Seasons

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 kjv)

As a little girl, I grew up in Indiana- the "bread basket of the midwest" as it was known for. I loved being able to experience all the seasons- winter, spring, summer and fall- and the incredible beauty each one would bring. I think my favorite was autumn. I couldn't wait for the trees to turn their vibrant hues, the air to become crisp with the smell of falling leaves and the sound of them crunching at my feet when I walked. And then, of course, there was all things pumpkin. Bonfires. S'mores. Hot apple cider. The promise of the holidays just around the corner. You know, alllll the things that make fall so special!

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV).

Have you ever just felt like you are out of sync with the current season you're in? Maybe you’re facing a busy, intense season, and your heart longs for rest. Or perhaps you’re in a quieter phase, and you’re eager for growth and forward movement. I think we all can relate to that tension—straining against the natural rhythm of the season we’re walking through. Hoping it won't last much longer. Wondering why it feels so hard. But just like the seasons of the earth, each phase in our lives has its purpose and beauty.

God designed these seasons as gentle reminders to trust...sometimes to rest, and sometimes to work. In the fast-paced stretches that feel almost like a whirlwind, we’re invited to rest in His strength. Our Father gently beckons: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV).

Oh Friend. When you are feeling stretched thin, God offers a place of stillness, and the reminder that this season won't last forever. This too, shall pass.

So in the slower seasons, when everything in life feels a bit quieter or even more uncertain, maybe that's the time to listen for the voice of Jesus. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, KJV).

Be still. Be....still.

Sometimes, these quieter times are the best times to rest in knowing God has a purpose in the season. He longs for us to listen, reflect, and embrace the peace that comes from His presence. There is no shame, in rest. There is beauty there!

If you’re finding it hard to embrace your current season, take heart—and just remember this season is temporary, just like winter gives way to spring and summer fades into fall. Each phase has a unique beauty and purpose, and God is working in every moment, preparing you for the next. We don't always see the full picture. But He sees all of it clearly, and nothing that happens to us in this life is a surprise to Him.

Prayer

Father, here I am in this season, trying to take it in the way you want me to. Help me to lean into Your grace, to find peace in the busier days and purpose in the quieter ones. Remind me that You are with me, working in every moment. Teach me to trust Your timing, Lord, and to see Your hand guiding me through each phase. Amen.