Unwrapping Rest
Unwrapping Rest
Dawn Tolbert
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.
Mini Moment: Join the Song of the Heavens (Psalm 19)
Linger over Psalm 19 and its beautiful testimony of creation, Scripture, and the words of our own hearts. In this Mini Moment, Dawn invites us to step away from the noise and join the song of the heavens, delighting in God’s Word and resting in His goodness.
Sep 1
4 min
13. When Waiting on God Is Really Fear | Peace Won’t Always Come Before the Step
Is it wisdom… or fear? In this episode of Unwrapping Rest, Dawn explores how we sometimes call it “waiting on God” when what we really need is courage to take the next faithful step.
Apr 12
6 min
12: Raising an Ebenezer -- Remembering God's Help
In this episode of Unwrapping Rest, we reflect on the biblical meaning of Ebenezer from 1 Samuel 7—a stone of remembrance that testified, “Till now, the Lord has helped us.” Before moving forward, Scripture invites us to pause, look back, and remember God’s faithfulness. If you’re feeling weary or reflective, this quiet episode offers space to give thanks and renew your trust in the God who has carried you this far.
Jan 27
9 min
Mini Moment: “This I Call to Mind”: Hope and New Mercies (Lamentations 3)
This short Mini Moment reflects on Lamentations 3, inviting us to call truth to mind and choose hope as we begin a new year. Grounded in God’s faithfulness and new mercies, it offers space to pause, pray, and step forward resting, not striving.
Dec 29, 2025
3 min
Bonus Episode — Light Dawns Devotional, Day 1
Welcome 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.
Dec 21, 2025
6 min
11: The Only Hope That Matters: Finding True Rest and Peace
Feeling weary or overwhelmed? Let Peter’s story in Matthew 14 remind you that hope and peace are found when we keep our eyes on Jesus.
Nov 15, 2025
14 min
Mini Moment: Seeking First the Kingdom (Matthew 6)
A short pause between episodes of Unwrapping Rest to realign our hearts with Jesus. In this Mini Moment, we linger over Matthew 6:25–33 and remember the call to seek first His kingdom.
Aug 14, 2025
3 min
10: Hope vs. Hustle: Where Rest Really Begins
What if hope isn’t found in your to-do list but in a Person? In this episode, Dawn shares how a well-intentioned reset led to overwhelm—and how the R.E.S.T. framework points us back to Jesus, where true hope begins.
Jul 30, 2025
8 min
9: Grayscale & Grace: My Lent Journey to Less Distraction
What if one simple change to your phone could create more space to notice God? In this episode, Dawn shares how switching her phone to grayscale became an unexpected spiritual practice—one that helped quiet distraction and refocus her heart on what matters most.
Apr 5, 2025
11 min
8: Trusting in the Trustworthy One
We all have plans. Whether it’s organizing our calendars, mapping out goals, or dreaming about what’s next, it’s easy to believe peace comes from having everything under control. But what happens when life takes a completely unexpected turn? In this episode, Dawn shares how an unexpected cancer diagnosis reshaped her understanding of trust. Through personal reflection and Scripture, she explores the difference between trusting our plans and trusting the God who remains faithful no matter where the journey leads. Together we’ll consider what it means to surrender control, place our confidence in God’s character, and discover that true hope isn’t found in certainty—it’s found in the Trustworthy One. In this episode you’ll discover: Why our best-laid plans can never provide lasting peace. What Scripture teaches about trusting God’s character. How unexpected circumstances can deepen our faith. Why surrender is the pathway to lasting hope.
Dec 31, 2024
12 min
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