Unwrapping Rest

Dawn Tolbert
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity

Tired of trying so hard to be okay? You're not alone. Unwrapping Rest is for the Christian woman who loves Jesus but feels weary from perfectionism, overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list, and ready to trade striving for the lasting rest only Christ can give. Each week, author and podcaster Dawn Tolbert shares honest stories, biblical encouragement, and practical ways to help you step off the treadmill of performance and into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Together, we'll explore what it means to trust God in hard seasons, surrender the pressure to have it all together, find hope that doesn't depend on circumstances, and discover the peace that comes from resting—not striving. If you're faithful... and tired... this podcast is your invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that you don't have to earn God's love. You are invited to receive it. Hosted by Dawn Tolbert, author of I'd Rather Die Than Obey: Trusting God Even When It Hurts, Unwrapping Rest offers Scripture-centered encouragement for women who long to exchange burnout for biblical hope, peace, and rest. Learn more at DawnTolbertWrites.com.

  1. Sep 1

    Mini Moment: Join the Song of the Heavens (Psalm 19)

    Our world is full of words. Voices, ads, emails, and even our own thoughts compete for our attention. But Psalm 19 invites us to listen to a different conversation. In this Mini Moment of the Unwrapping Rest podcast, linger with Dawn over a psalm that begins with the heavens declaring the glory of God and leads us to the sweetness and goodness of His Word. Together, we’ll consider what we allow to fill our thoughts, shape our words, and become the meditation of our hearts — and David’s beautiful prayer that both would be pleasing to our Rock and Redeemer. As you step back into the noise of the world, take time to taste the sweet words of Scripture and join the song the heavens have been singing all along. Scripture: Psalm 19 Rest in His love today, tomorrow, and all the days to come. He is so good.

  2. Apr 12

    13. When Waiting on God Is Really Fear | Peace Won’t Always Come Before the Step

    Sometimes 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.

  3. Jan 27

    12: Raising an Ebenezer -- Remembering God's Help

    What 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.

  4. 12/29/2025 ·  Bonus

    Mini Moment: “This I Call to Mind”: Hope and New Mercies (Lamentations 3)

    As 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.

  5. 12/21/2025 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode — Light Dawns Devotional, Day 1

    Unwrapping Rest

  6. 11/15/2025

    11: The Only Hope That Matters: Finding True Rest and Peace

    When 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.

  7. 08/14/2025

    Mini Moment: Seeking First the Kingdom (Matthew 6)

    When 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.

  8. 07/30/2025

    10: Hope vs. Hustle: Where Rest Really Begins

    What do you do when your goals start to feel more like burdens than blessings? In this episode, Dawn shares how a doctor's appointment and a midyear reset quickly became a twelve-item to-do list that left her feeling overwhelmed instead of hopeful. It's a struggle many of us know well: the desire to become healthier, more productive, and more faithful can quietly turn into striving. Using the R.E.S.T. framework, Dawn explores how Scripture invites us to exchange performance for relationship, evaluate life in light of eternity, surrender the pressure to prove ourselves, and trust the Living Hope instead of our own plans. If your planner has started defining your peace, this conversation is a gentle reminder that hope isn't something you achieve—it's someone you know. In this episode you'll discover: Why good goals can still lead to striving. How the R.E.S.T. framework redirects our hearts toward Christ. Why your identity is never determined by your productivity. What it looks like to find hope beyond an unfinished to-do list.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Tired of trying so hard to be okay? You're not alone. Unwrapping Rest is for the Christian woman who loves Jesus but feels weary from perfectionism, overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list, and ready to trade striving for the lasting rest only Christ can give. Each week, author and podcaster Dawn Tolbert shares honest stories, biblical encouragement, and practical ways to help you step off the treadmill of performance and into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Together, we'll explore what it means to trust God in hard seasons, surrender the pressure to have it all together, find hope that doesn't depend on circumstances, and discover the peace that comes from resting—not striving. If you're faithful... and tired... this podcast is your invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that you don't have to earn God's love. You are invited to receive it. Hosted by Dawn Tolbert, author of I'd Rather Die Than Obey: Trusting God Even When It Hurts, Unwrapping Rest offers Scripture-centered encouragement for women who long to exchange burnout for biblical hope, peace, and rest. Learn more at DawnTolbertWrites.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Dawn Tolbert
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unwrapping Rest

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