A few years ago, I was reading a Wired magazine article and came across the concept of Karoshi. Karoshi is a Japanese term that literally means "death by overwork." Another interpretation characterises karoshi as "occupational sudden mortality," implying that one's work is literally killing them. Some of the major causes of karoshi include heart attack, stroke due to stress, suicide and starvation. People usually starve themselves to death because they’re too busy to eat.

While we may not use the word karoshi here in the West, we have another term: burnout. The pressure to succeed, to provide, to prove ourselves - it quietly drives many of us to exhaustion. And if we’re honest, some of that pressure doesn’t just come from the outside. It comes from within.

In Mark 6.31, after Jesus’ disciples return from a busy and fruitful season of ministry, Jesus tells them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

This is more than just good advice, it reveals something about the heart of Jesus. It shows a compassionate Shepherd who cares about the well-being of His sheep. He understands the pressures we face, the limits of our humanity, and the demands our work places on us. Jesus is not indifferent to our exhaustion. So he invites us to come away with Him.

And this invitation was not only for their sake. Just a few verses earlier, in the midst of a busy season of ministering to people, Jesus received the news that His cousin, John the Baptist, had been killed. Could you imagine the exhaustion Jesus must’ve felt? So this retreat was as much for Him as it was for His disciples.

And this shows us something very important: rest is a rhythm Jesus intends to cultivate in the lives of His followers.

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus modelling this rhythm of rest. He regularly withdrew to quiet places to pray. Early in the morning and after long days of engaging with people, He made space to be with His Father. For Jesus, rest was not a relinquishing of responsibility, but a recognition that the source of His strength flowed from His relationship with God.

Do you believe that?

My friends, rest is more than just switching off with entertainment, taking a holiday, or catching up on some sleep. These things are great and helpful. But sometimes the rest we truly need is only found in the presence of our compassionate saviour - who wants to restore us, rebuild us and reconsecrate us for the work He has called us to do. He wants to remind us that our value doesn’t come from what we do, but from who we belong to.

I once heard a preacher say, “If you don’t come apart and rest awhile, YOU WILL come apart.” I’ve found that to be true in my own life. So let the grace of God lead you into the presence of God. And what you will discover is that Jesus is not just the one who gives rest - He is rest.

“Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11.28-29)