Has Jesus promised to give us rest?

on Jun 8, 2026

Selective focus on the word psychology. Dreamstime/TCA

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’m studying the science of psychology and find more questions than people have answers for. It’s exhausting and causes me to think about the Sunday school verse I learned as a child promising that Jesus will give us rest. – N.R.

A: Centuries ago, Augustine said, “Socrates and Plato said many wonderful things, but they never did say, as Jesus Christ said, ‘Come unto me … and I will give you rest.’” This verse is found in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (NKJV).

This isn’t about a day of rest from our normal tasks and responsibilities. The rest Jesus promises is for people who are exhausted in their search for truth, purpose, and meaning. People look everywhere but shun the promise of Jesus: “Come to Me.” He’s the only One who can give rest from what seems an endless journey.

Generations often pass down the same problems, decade after decade: economic pressures, health concerns, world turmoil, mental anguish, to name just a few. Money’s not the answer – people buy on credit without the ability to pay their debts. People still scream for peace, finding only a temporary reprieve. More medicine isn’t the answer – people take more prescription drugs than ever before. Emotional turmoil grows while patients wait for months to see a doctor.

Jesus said these things would be present in the fallen world. In His compassion for mankind, He came. In His love for mankind, He died. In His mercy for mankind, He overcame death to give mankind hope – the hope of eternal life. For those who believe by faith in all that Christ has said and promised, we have peace today through the Lord Jesus Christ. He came, and He still calls out: “Come to Me … and I will give you rest!”

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)