There’s a phrase I’ve heard many people use when life feels overwhelming: “I just need to take the edge off.” It’s what many say when the stress has piled too high, the day has been too long, and the pressure feels unbearable. And let’s be honest—we all have our methods.
Some turn to Netflix, hoping another binge will drown out the noise. Others grab a drink, pop a pill, or scroll endlessly through their phones, chasing distraction like it’s salvation. Some look for validation in likes, comments, or achievements. We tell ourselves, “This will do it. This will make it better.”
But be honest with yourself, does it work? What’s the point?
Sure, it might numb the pain for a while. It might dull the edge. But the edge and anxiousness always seem to come back, doesn’t it? The deadlines return. The loneliness sneaks in again. The shame whispers, “You’re still not enough.” And so, we’re left looking for the next escape, the next fix, the next way to take the edge off.
However, there is a better way! Jesus once stood in front of a crowd of people who were exhausted—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. They were burnt out from trying to fix themselves, numb their pain, and measure up. To them, Jesus said:
“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” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Do you hear it? Jesus doesn’t offer a temporary escape. He offers rest. Real, deep, soul-level rest. The kind that doesn’t just dull the edge but transforms it. Jesus doesn’t just promise to take the edge off—He promises to take the weight of it entirely.
Here’s how:
• He offers peace for our anxiety. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). The world’s peace fades. His lasts.
• He covers our shame. That thing you’ve been running from? Jesus already carried it to the cross. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
• He frees us from striving. Instead of chasing validation, Scripture reminds us, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Jesus doesn’t numb the pain; He heals it. He doesn’t offer distraction; He offers transformation.
So, what are you reaching for when life feels sharp? A screen? A substance? Success? Be honest with yourself. Those things might give you a momentary fix, but they won’t satisfy your soul. Only Jesus can do that.
This week, take Him up on His offer. When the edge feels unbearable, instead of turning to something temporary, turn to Him. Pray. Rest in His promises. Let His grace meet you in your need.
Because here’s the truth: you don’t just need the edge taken off. You need Jesus to carry the whole thing. And He’s more than ready to do it.
peace,
Nick
Some turn to Netflix, hoping another binge will drown out the noise. Others grab a drink, pop a pill, or scroll endlessly through their phones, chasing distraction like it’s salvation. Some look for validation in likes, comments, or achievements. We tell ourselves, “This will do it. This will make it better.”
But be honest with yourself, does it work? What’s the point?
Sure, it might numb the pain for a while. It might dull the edge. But the edge and anxiousness always seem to come back, doesn’t it? The deadlines return. The loneliness sneaks in again. The shame whispers, “You’re still not enough.” And so, we’re left looking for the next escape, the next fix, the next way to take the edge off.
However, there is a better way! Jesus once stood in front of a crowd of people who were exhausted—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. They were burnt out from trying to fix themselves, numb their pain, and measure up. To them, Jesus said:
“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” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Do you hear it? Jesus doesn’t offer a temporary escape. He offers rest. Real, deep, soul-level rest. The kind that doesn’t just dull the edge but transforms it. Jesus doesn’t just promise to take the edge off—He promises to take the weight of it entirely.
Here’s how:
• He offers peace for our anxiety. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). The world’s peace fades. His lasts.
• He covers our shame. That thing you’ve been running from? Jesus already carried it to the cross. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
• He frees us from striving. Instead of chasing validation, Scripture reminds us, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Jesus doesn’t numb the pain; He heals it. He doesn’t offer distraction; He offers transformation.
So, what are you reaching for when life feels sharp? A screen? A substance? Success? Be honest with yourself. Those things might give you a momentary fix, but they won’t satisfy your soul. Only Jesus can do that.
This week, take Him up on His offer. When the edge feels unbearable, instead of turning to something temporary, turn to Him. Pray. Rest in His promises. Let His grace meet you in your need.
Because here’s the truth: you don’t just need the edge taken off. You need Jesus to carry the whole thing. And He’s more than ready to do it.
peace,
Nick