You finally crawl into bed after a long day, hoping to get some much-needed rest. But just as your head hits the pillow… your thoughts kick in.

Did I text her back?
I forgot to send that email.
What if I totally messed up that conversation?
Do I have time to get everything done tomorrow?

Suddenly, you’re mentally rehashing your day, running through tomorrow’s to-do list, and spiraling into a mix of overthinking, worry, and what-ifs.

If your brain refuses to power down—even when your body is begging for rest—you’re not the only one. And no, you’re not crazy or broken. You’re human.

Earning Rest?

Our culture tells us that rest is earned. That stopping is lazy. That our worth is tied to how much we produce, manage, or fix.

But Jesus offers a different way:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Not, “Come to me when you’ve figured it out.”
Not, “Come when you’ve earned it.”
But, “Come as you are—tired, anxious, overthinking—and I will give you rest.”

The invitation is always open. The problem is, we rarely give ourselves permission to accept it.

Something deeper is going on…

Restlessness often reveals something deeper. And many times, our sleeplessness is just the surface-level symptom of an overwhelmed soul.

Here’s what might really be going on:

• Your relationship with yourself: Are you carrying unrealistic expectations? Maybe you feel the need to please everyone. Or maybe you just feel behind—like you're not doing enough, or not being enough.

• Your relationship with God: You want to trust Him, but your mind keeps grasping for control. You say He’s in charge, but the inner panic suggests otherwise.

• Your relationships with others: Maybe there’s conflict you’re avoiding. A weight you’re carrying silently. A sense that you're disappointing people no matter how hard you try.

Restlessness can be a signal: not of failure, but of invitation. An invitation to slow down, breathe, and return to what’s true.

3 Anchors for Resting a Racing Mind

1. Write It Down & Hand It Over

Try a brain dump. Before bed, take five minutes to jot down everything that’s swirling in your head—no censoring, no editing. Then, offer it to God in prayer.

You could pray something like:

“God, I’m giving you these thoughts. I can’t carry them all, but You can. Help me rest in knowing You’re still at work even when I sleep.”

Sometimes, just seeing your thoughts on paper gives your mind permission to stop holding them.

2. Try a Breath Prayer

Breath prayers are short, Scripture-based prayers that you quietly pray in rhythm with your breathing. They calm your nervous system and center your soul on truth.

Here are a few to try tonight:

• Inhale: You are with me
  Exhale: I will not fear (Psalm 23:4)

• Inhale: Be still and know
  Exhale: That You are God (Psalm 46:10)

• Inhale: Jesus, I give You control
  Exhale: Help me to trust You

Breathe slowly. Repeat them a few times. Let your body relax as your soul remembers who’s in charge.

3. Establish a Rest Rhythm—Not Just a Sleep Routine

Rest isn't just a nighttime thing—it’s a rhythm we build into our days.

• Take a short walk without your phone.

• Pause to pray during the day instead of powering through.

• Choose quiet over noise, even for five minutes.

• Practice Sabbath rest—one day where productivity isn’t your god.

Even small, intentional pauses can remind your soul it’s safe to stop striving.

Rest Is Relational

True rest isn’t just about a clear mind. It’s about peace. And peace comes from connection—deep, soul-level connection with yourself, God, and others.

• With yourself: When you stop performing and accept your limits.

• With God: When you stop trying to control everything and lean into His care.

• With others: When you stop pretending you’re fine and let people see the real you.

Your worth isn’t found in your productivity. It’s found in being a beloved child of God.

You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to be “on” all the time. You don’t have to hold it all together to be worthy of rest.

One Small Step You Can Take Today

• Try a breath prayer as you wind down.
• Write out what’s on your mind and give it to God
• Ask a friend to check in with you this week.
  
• Pause in your day—just for five minutes—and breathe.

Not because everything’s perfect.
But because you’re not meant to carry it alone.
Jesus is already holding it—and He’s holding you, too.

“Come to me, all you who are weary... and I will give you rest.”