One of Satan’s biggest lies is that following Jesus drains life instead of giving it. He twists the truth to make it seem like Jesus came to take life from us, rather than give it. Tragically, many choose to keep their distance from God simply because they misunderstand who He really is. God is not a life-taker. He is the Life-Giver.

In fact, He is life itself. John affirms, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4). Jesus echoed this truth, declaring that just as the Father has life in Himself, so does the Son (John 5:26). And in His farewell message, He proclaimed it plainly: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6).

It’s ironic—Satan, the ultimate thief and destroyer, (John 10:10) tries to flip the script and paint God as the one who steals joy. But Proverbs 19:23 corrects that lie: “The fear of the LORD leads to life…” When we take God’s Word, sin, and repentance seriously, we discover the destination is not heaviness and defeat, but victory and life.

And life in Christ doesn’t weigh us down with a backpack full of burdens. Instead, Jesus invites us to hand the load to Him. He calls us to come and rest—not the kind of rest that leaves us more tired, but rest that leaves us satisfied (Matthew 5:6).

I experienced this once after a meal with a friend. We ate so well that when the dessert menu came, I politely declined, saying, “I’m satisfied.” That’s the picture Solomon paints. When we walk in the fear of the Lord and are filled with Him, there’s simply no room left for the empty calories of sin and the world. And truthfully, nothing else can satisfy like God does.

So today, come to Him—and find the true rest and satisfaction your soul longs for.

“Come to me, all 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