Podcast
Unwrapping Rest
Hosted by dawntolbert · EN
Tired of trying so hard to be okay? You’re not alone. Unwrapping Rest is for the Christian woman who is weary from perfectionism, overwhelmed by her never-ending to-do list, and ready to trade burnout for biblical rest that lasts. If you are stuck in the striving cycle -- constantly trying to be enough -- this podcast is your invitation to stop trying so hard and learn to rest in Jesus. Together, we will explore how to break free from perfectionism that is stealing your peace; biblical alternatives to hustle culture that actually work; why your planner can never fix your burnout (and what can); practical ways to find rest for your anxious, overwhelmed heart; and ways to connect with God in true rest. Hosted by Dawn Tolbert, author of I'd Rather Die Than Obey: Trusting God Even When It Hurts, this podcast offers encouragement for the woman who is ready to stop striving and start truly living. Learn more about the host at DawnTolbert.com.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When Waiting on God Is Really Fear | Peace Won’t Always Come Before the Step
Apr 1200:06:12Tap to summarizeSometimes what we call waiting on God is wisdom. Sometimes it’s patience. But sometimes… it’s fear. In this episode of Unwrapping Rest, Dawn Tolbert explores the difference between faithful waiting and hesitation disguised as spirituality. Through the experiences of Gideon and Jonah, she shares how God is patient with fearful hearts—but often invites us to move forward with courage rather than wait for one more sign. If you’ve been praying, delaying, and wondering whether you need more confirmation or simply courage for the next step, this episode is for you. Peace may not come before the step. It may meet you in it.
Transcribe →12: Raising an Ebenezer -- Remembering God's Help
Jan 2700:09:31Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean to “raise an Ebenezer”? In today’s episode of Unwrapping Rest, we pause to reflect on a phrase many of us have sung for years without fully understanding: “Here I raise my Ebenezer.” Drawing from 1 Samuel 7, this episode explores the biblical meaning of Ebenezer—a stone of remembrance set up to testify, “Till now, the Lord has helped us.” Before we rush ahead into a new season, Scripture invites us to stop, look back, and remember God’s faithfulness. Together, we reflect on why remembering matters, how it strengthens our trust for what lies ahead, and what it might look like to raise our own “stones of remembrance” today. If you’re listening while feeling weary, uncertain, or reflective, this quiet episode is an invitation to pause and give thanks for God’s help—past, present, and future. To stay connected and receive reflections, updates, and encouragement straight to your inbox, you can join my mailing list at DawnTolbert.com. Thank you for being here. I hope this episode gives your heart a little breathing room and reminds you that you don’t walk this road alone.
Transcribe →Mini Moment: “This I Call to Mind”: Hope and New Mercies (Lamentations 3)
Dec 2900:03:55Tap to summarizeAs we stand at the beginning of a new year, this Mini Moment invites us to pause and anchor ourselves in ancient truth. Drawing from Lamentations 3, we reflect on what it means to call truth to mind—and to choose hope, even when circumstances feel uncertain or heavy. These verses remind us that God’s mercies are new every morning, His faithfulness does not fail, and waiting quietly on the Lord is a posture Scripture calls good. Recorded at the close of 2025 and released as we enter 2026, this short reflection offers space to breathe, remember, pray, and step forward resting—not striving. Whether you’re feeling expectant, weary, or somewhere in between, you are invited to join me in remembering, waiting, returning to hope, and trusting the God who meets us with new mercy each day. Scripture featured: Lamentations 3:21–26, 40–41 (ESV) If you’d like to receive the Light Dawns devotional by email or find more hope-filled resources, visit DawnTolbert.com and sign up for the email list.
Transcribe →Bonus Episode — Light Dawns Devotional, Day 1
Dec 2100:06:20Tap to summarizeWelcome to this special bonus episode! I’m sharing Day 1 of my Light Dawns in the Darkness devotional as an audio gift to help you slow down, breathe, and focus your heart on Christ. If you’d like to listen to the full 5-day devotional series and download the free companion PDF, visit DawnTolbertWrites.com/light-dawns-devotional. You’ll be able to join my mailing list there and receive more hope-filled writing, devotionals, and encouragement as it’s released. Thank you for being here. May His light meet you wherever you are today.
Transcribe →11: The Only Hope That Matters: Finding True Rest and Peace
Nov 1500:14:12Tap to summarizeWhen life feels out of control and the waves are closing in, where do you turn? In this episode of Unwrapping Rest, Dawn Tolbert shares a vivid dream that mirrors the Apostle Peter’s storm-tossed moment on the Sea of Galilee. Together, we’ll look at what happens when we take our eyes off Jesus—and how His steady hand reaches out the moment we cry, “Lord, save me.” Through Peter’s story in Matthew 14, Dawn invites weary, striving hearts to fix their focus on the One who brings peace in every storm. If you’ve been longing for rest, hope, and renewed faith, this episode will remind you that you’re never alone—Jesus still meets us right where we are. 🌿 SHOW NOTES Scripture: Matthew 14:22–33 Main Theme: When the storms of life rise, Jesus meets us right where we are. Like Peter on the water, we learn to fix our eyes on Him—the only true source of hope, peace, and rest. Key Takeaways: • Look for Jesus even when things feel beyond hope. • When God calls, respond in faith and move toward Him. • Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus rather than the waves. • When fear pulls you under, cry out, “Lord, save me,” and trust His steady hand. Encouragement to Reflect: Ask yourself: Where have I taken my eyes off Jesus this week? How can I refocus on His presence and peace? Resources & Links: • 💻 Read the full reflection on the blog → dawntolbertwrites.com • 📖 Learn more in I’d Rather Die Than Obey — a Bible study on Jonah’s journey and God’s relentless grace → dawntolbertwrites.com/store (use code PODCAST10 to save 10%) • 🙏 Need prayer or want to talk? Reach out at dawn @ dawntolbertwrites.com —I’d love to pray with you.
Transcribe →Mini Moment: Seeking First the Kingdom (Matthew 6)
Aug 1400:03:36Tap to summarizeWhen life pulls us in a hundred directions, it’s easy to get swept up in the noise, hurry, and pressure to do more. But in this Mini Moment, we slow down, breathe, and let Scripture remind us of what matters most. Join me as we pause with Matthew 6:25–33, reflect on the distractions that pull our eyes away from God’s kingdom, and pray together for a heart aligned with His purposes. Whether you’re in the middle of your day or winding down, this brief episode is a chance to exhale and remember that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and invites us to seek Him first.
Transcribe →10: Hope vs. Hustle: Where Rest Really Begins
Jul 3000:08:25Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when your goals start to feel like burdens? In this kickoff to the Rest, Not Striving journey, Dawn shares how a well-intentioned midyear reset turned into a twelve-item to-do list — and why it left her more overwhelmed than inspired. If you’ve ever felt like your planner is running the show, this episode is for you. We’ll explore why biblical hope was never meant to exhaust us, how to recognize striving for what it is, and what it means to live in relationship with the Living Hope — not your performance. ✨ Come find rest that renews, not hustle that drains. 💛 Let’s walk this hope-filled road together.
Transcribe →9: Grayscale & Grace: My Lent Journey to Less Distraction
Apr 5, 202500:11:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we explore Dawn Tolbert's transformative practice of "going gray" with our devices. Dawn shares her spiritual journey of switching her phone to grayscale mode, breaking free from the hypnotic pull of colorful apps designed to capture our attention. We discuss how this simple tech adjustment creates sacred space for presence, intention, and God’s peace in our daily lives. Dawn reveals the unexpected ways this practice reconnected her with what truly matters beyond the screen. Whether you're seeking digital balance or deeper spiritual presence in a connected world, this conversation offers a gentle, practical path forward that can be implemented today. Read this episode in blog form at www.dawntolbertwrites.com/blog-1/the-power-of-going-gray #SpiritualTech #DigitalDetox #MindfulLiving #ForgiveMyPollenVoice
Transcribe →8: Trusting in the Trustworthy One
Dec 31, 202400:12:55Tap to summarizeAs this new year dawns ahead of us, my over-planner heart is really tempted to kick into high gear. But the truth is simple. God isn’t interested in me having a firmer grip on my life; in fact, he wants me to let go and trust him. Today let’s explore what it means to Trust in the Trustworthy One.
Transcribe →7: To Rest is To Trust our Shield
Mar 8, 202400:08:46Tap to summarizeWhen life's battles rage around us, we can trust God's promise to be our Shield.
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