Come As You Are — Finding Rest in Jesus

Subject: Come As You Are — Finding Rest in Jesus

Hey Church at the Grove family,

This week I’ve been sitting with the wonder of the local church. Every Sunday, we gather as one people with a thousand different stories. Some have walked with Jesus longer than I’ve been alive. Others are still exploring who He is. Some know Scripture by heart. Others don’t yet own a Bible. We come in carrying everything from quiet joys to heavy burdens—addiction and recovery, strain and reconciliation, hope and despair—all in the same room. And somehow, Jesus meets each of us right where we are.

As we begin this new series, my heart keeps returning to Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11. It isn’t for the spiritual elite. It isn’t for those who have it all together. It’s for the weary. It’s for the honest. It’s for today.

Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB)

There’s a line in that invitation that I don’t want us to rush past: come to Me. Not “clean up and then come,” not “figure it all out and then come.” Come as you are. The place you actually are—not the place you wish you were—is where Jesus meets you. And the gift He offers is not a quick fix, but rest at the soul level. Rest that untangles anxious thoughts. Rest that softens a tired heart. Rest that steadies us for the real work of love.

If you’re flourishing right now, give thanks and bring your joy to Him. If you’re in a valley, name your burdens and bring them too. Either way, the next faithful step is the same: come to Jesus. Learn from Him. Walk with Him at His pace. There is rest in His presence, and there is room for you here—fully, honestly, today.

A simple practice for the week:

• Find five quiet minutes each day. Sit with Jesus’ words above.
• Breathe in, slowly: “Come to Me.”
• Breathe out: “I give you rest.”
• Tell God, in plain words, where you actually are today. Ask for His rest.

Events & Opportunities:

• We’re keeping the same events and opportunities from last week. If you missed anything, check your inbox and our website for details, or reply to this email and we’ll point you in the right direction.

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. See you Sunday.

Grace and peace,

Nathan