Unwrapping Rest

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.

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 [https://www.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.

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.

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.

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 [https://www.dawntolbertwrites.com/blog-1] • 📖 Learn more in I’d Rather Die Than Obey — a Bible study on Jonah’s journey and God’s relentless grace → dawntolbertwrites.com/store [https://www.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.