Unwrapping Rest with Dawn Tolbert

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 wai...

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, S...

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...

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...

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...

What 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...

In 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 reve...

As 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.

When life's battles rage around us, we can trust God's promise to be our Shield.

A moment from the morning of the book launch for "I'd Rather Die Than Obey" signaled the faithfulness of God. Listen as Dawn shares this story and the encouragement it offered on her faith journey.

"I'd placed the loaves and fishes into Jesus' powerful hands to use however he saw fit. Then I realized I was metaphorically browsing recipes for fish sandwiches."

Reflecting on the dance of the dehumidifier and what it teaches me about soul care. If I don’t tackle the chore of emptying the water on a regular basis, it can grow stagnant, and my office may become unbearably oppressive. That’s not unlike my heart when I don’t pour out my feelings to God and ask Him to dry up the mirky, boggy spots that have appeared.

Broken resolutions. Shattered new year's dreams. This doesn't have to be our story in 2023. The answer is about taking the next important step on our journey toward rest.

Are you wrapped up in a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt? Are you feeling more harried and hurried than holly and jolly? I have good news. God wants to give you the gift of rest, and He has something so much better than the holiday warm and fuzzies to offer.

Episode 001: An unplanned text started a spiral of anxious thoughts. In today's episode, Dawn Tolbert shares how this Thanksgiving hiccup was the perfect object lesson for Step 1 of Unwrapping God's Gift of Rest.  Read the full text