How Christian Moms Can Find Rest in Jesus: A Pastoral Letter of Encouragement

Dear Faithful Sister in Christ,

You carry so much. You lead, you serve, you disciple, you parent. You love deeply, sacrifice quietly, and press on even when no one seems to notice.

And if you’re honest, you’re tired.

You wouldn’t trade your calling as a mom or spiritual mentor for anything, but you’re wondering… Is this supposed to feel so heavy? So exhausting?

If that’s where you are today, I have good news. Jesus sees you. Jesus invites you to come to Him—not when you have it all together, but right now, as you are.

Listen to His invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):

“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.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Why You Feel Worn Out

As I’ve shared before, being a mom often feels like having “tired” as part of your personality. I recently read these funny but painfully true words from fellow moms:

• “My bed is a magical place where I suddenly remember everything I was supposed to do.”
• “I wake up tired. That’s just who I am now.”
• “Moms don’t wish they could sleep like a baby—they wish they could sleep like a dad.”

You’ve likely felt it—especially in motherhood, where every season seems to introduce new challenges. From sleepless nights with little ones, to chasing toddlers, to navigating teenage emotions, to worrying about your grown children long after they’ve left home.

And it’s not just physical tiredness. It’s soul-tiredness—the kind Jesus speaks to in Matthew 11.

Two Heavy Loads Jesus Wants to Lift

In this passage, Jesus names two burdens we often carry: being weary and being burdened. Let’s break these down.

1. Weary from Trying to Be “Enough”

Weary describes the exhaustion that comes from working yourself to the bone. Maybe you’ve been telling yourself:

• “If I could just pray more…”
• “If I could just be more patient…”
• “If I could just be more like her…”

But no matter how much you do, it feels like it’s never enough.

I’m reminded of that line from The Greatest Showman—“Never enough, never enough…” Motherhood can feel exactly like that.

Here’s the problem: when you try to carry motherhood in your own strength, you end up weary—spiritually, emotionally, and physically drained.

2. Burdened by Everyone Else’s Expectations

The second load Jesus names is burdened. It’s the pressure you feel from the opinions of others:

• “You should parent this way.”
• “You should read this Bible translation.”
• “You should never let your kids do that.”

Trying to meet everyone’s expectations is like stacking heavy bags on your shoulders until you collapse under the weight.

Jesus saw this happening in His day, too. The religious leaders (the Pharisees) heaped rule after rule on the people, making them feel they could never please God.

Sound familiar?

The Good News: Jesus’ Yoke Is Different

Here’s what’s beautiful: Jesus doesn’t offer you more to carry. He offers you His yoke, and He promises it’s easy and light.

In the ancient world, a yoke paired two oxen together. The stronger ox carried most of the weight, guiding the younger one step by step.

That’s what Jesus offers you. He walks with you, carries the heavier load, and teaches you how to move forward in step with Him.

How Christian Moms Can Find Rest in Jesus

Jesus invites you to do three things:

1. Come to Him

Not to a program. Not to a checklist. Not to another “should.”
To Him—personally, relationally, continually.

2. Take His Yoke

Trade your self-imposed expectations for His gentle leadership. Let Him set the pace. Let Him carry the weight.

3. Learn from Him

And here’s where Bible study becomes your resting place—not another task on your list, but the very place where you hear His voice and experience His love.

📝 Ready to Deepen Your Bible Study?

If you’ve ever opened your Bible and wondered, “Where do I even start?”—you’re not alone.

I’ve created a free, simple 5-step guide to help you study any passage of Scripture with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re preparing a lesson, teaching your children, or seeking personal growth, this guide will show you exactly how to get started.

👉 Download Your Free Bible Study Guide Here

You don’t have to guess your way through Bible study anymore. Let me walk you through the same process I use every time I open God’s Word.

You Can Stop Striving. You Are Already Loved.

Let me leave you with this:

• You don’t have to carry motherhood alone.
• You don’t have to meet everyone’s expectations.
• You don’t have to do more to be loved more.

Jesus sees you. Jesus carries the yoke with you. Jesus invites you to rest—not by quitting your calling, but by learning to walk with Him.

So today, trade your weariness for His strength. Trade your burdens for His peace. Trade your striving for His presence.

Come to Him, dear sister. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. And you will find rest for your soul.

With you on the journey,

Your Bible Study Mentor,
Dr. Mario Escobedo