Get ready to dive into the soul-stirring melodies and faith-filled lyrics of Austin French, the talented singer/songwriter turning heads in the world of Christian music. Austin delivers a powerful message of redemption and reliance on God's grace through his Wide Open and Wake Up Sleeper albums. His songs, including "Jesus Can," "Wake Up Sleeper," and "Good Feeling," are more than just music; they're heartfelt expressions of gratitude and love for a savior who offers rest for our souls. Join me as I sit down with Austin to discuss the inspiration behind his autobiographical song, "Rest For Your Soul," and explore the depth of his faith journey.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
“Rest for Your Soul” is a song I wrote from personal exhaustion. I trusted that my heavy burdens weren’t meant to be carried alone. I’m a dad to three kids ages five and under, and having rest is scarce on a good day. Every available moment is filled with the constant needs of my young children.
While wrestling with bone-deep weariness, I came across Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” All of us can find our spot in that, needing rest. But He says, come to me, and I will give you rest. We don’t have to wonder if it will happen because it’s something He’s said He will do.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Matthew 11:28 (NIV): "Come to Me, all you who labor 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. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG): "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
John 8:36 (NIV): "So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Romans 8:31 (NIV): "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
John 1:12 (NIV): "Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV): "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Lyrics
Are you tired and troubled Weighted down by a heavy load Praying for change Searching for faith Waiting on a miracle
Are you drowning in questions Can't believe where the road has lead There's one who knows the heavy you hold And He says
Come to Me All who are weary and heavy burdened All who are hurting Come to Me I'll be your shelter My yoke is easy My load is light And you can find rest for your soul Rest for your soul
There's a peace that can hold you And a power greater than your own When you feel so small Back to the wall That's when Jesus calls
Come to Me All who are weary and heavy burdened All who are hurting Come to Me I'll be your shelter My yoke is easy My load is light And you can find rest for your soul Rest for your soul
You were never meant to carry that weight alone You were never meant to carry it on your own Come to the cross Lay it at the feet of Jesus Come to the cross Lay it at the feet of Jesus
There is one who knows the heavy you hold And He says
Come to Me All who are weary and heavy burdened All who are hurting Come to Me I'll be your shelter My yoke is easy My load is light And you can find rest for your soul Rest for your soul
Rest for your soul Rest for your soul You can find rest
Closing Thoughts
“Rest For Your Soul” has become my anthem, and I sing along to the sincere and passionate submission lyrics at the top of my lungs. I love how prayers and songs of praise are a communal experience that we can all share.
The Lord wants us to long for heaven and a relationship with Him. When the Holy Spirit has indwelled us, we have a personal relationship with the comforter and a peace that surpasses understanding, knowing that this fallen world isn't all we live for.
Many of us struggle with the idea that our past and present mistakes are unforgivable, yet the Bible tells us that isn't true. Read that excellent translation in The Message of Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus tells us: "Come to me. Get away with me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest." What a tremendous comfort to know that when we struggle with our pain, pride, and unloving natures, we can all lay it at the feet of Jesus.
God tells us in the Bible that we can do anything in Christ with faith. We need to trust Him fully. A theme verse for me for these devotionals has been Romans 8:11: "If the Spirit of the one who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives inside of you, then you can be sure that He who raised Him will cast the light of life into your mortal bodies through the life-giving power of the Spirit residing in you."
God keeps reminding me of His resurrection power through His Spirit in believers. That's the beauty of His Word. It doesn't return void. Instead, it provides a constant source of comfort, guidance, and how to draw closer to Him.
The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we no longer have to live with our guilt, fears, or worries. We are born again and need to live as children of God. Too often, we get wrapped up in our circumstances and get down on ourselves with negative thoughts, allowing the enemy to define self-worth. Jesus died on the cross to set us free from the battle of our minds, from sin and death, and He wants us to have abundant life in Him. What a wonderful, encouraging truth.
This song encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us. What a great message of redemption: grace is an unmerited favor and a gift. We are empowered by relying on God's supernatural ability instead of our own.
God loves you so much. So, lean on Him, and He'll give you strength. If you follow Jesus, know that God is singing these words over you. Know that being His is enough. Join Austin in responding in total surrender to God in the moving chorus: "Come to Me/All who are weary and heavy burdened/All who are hurting/Come to Me/I'll be your shelter/My yoke is easy/My load is light/And you can find rest for your soul/Rest for your soul.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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