Rest for the Weary Workin’ Mama Soul, a 7-Day Devotional by KeNosha WhiteheadSample

Day 2: The Promise of Rest

The next two days, we will take a deeper dive into Matthew 11:28-30 because the context of this passage has revolutionary revelation and application for workin’ mamas.

Today, we unpack verse 28. Here, Jesus is talking to the people of Israel. They had been living and laboring under the restrictive regime of numerous religious, social, and cultural dos and don’ts. The Pharisees, the elite pietists of the day, dutifully delighted to strictly and, oftentimes, hypocritically uphold and enforce these rules. The pressure of meeting, or failing to meet, these external expectations unduly heaped weariness and burdens on the people. And it is these cherished, worn-down people to whom Jesus kindly promises the gift of rest.

In verse 28, the word "rest" is translated from the Greek word "anapauo”, which means “to give rest, to refresh, to reinvigorate, to revitalize, or to cease from labor.” This term implies not merely physical rest but rest characterized by spiritual renewal and relief from a weary and burdened way of life.

As Christian workin’ mamas, we can relate to living and laboring under the gravity of religious and cultural expectations. Can we sufficiently nurture and disciple our children in the Lord and show up and excel in our work? As one of my workin’ mama colleagues perfectly puts it, such questions represent a constant tug of war between the head and heart. Navigating the many competing interests and demands of motherhood and work is a heavy reality, sis. Some days, you are barely holding up under all the pressure. And one more phone call from your kid’s school in the middle of your workday due to sudden onset of fever or, God forbid, unruly behavior just might precipitate your collapse.

Then, the Holy Spirit tenderly reminds you that you have an unbreakable promise from Jesus. When you are weighed down at the intersection of serving well and intentionally as a parent and professional, pray to grab ahold of the Lord’s powerful promise that He will give you rest when you come to Him.

Hear me in love. You do not have to be a weary workin’ mama. You are called to be a rested workin’ mama because Jesus, the ultimate promise keeper, said so.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I trust Jesus to provide the rest He promises? Why or why not?
2. Consider the significance of Jesus’s promise to give you rest. How does this promise speak to you in your current season as a working mom?