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All Who Are Weary: Finding True Rest By Letting Go of the Burdens You Were Never Meant to Carry

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The comforting bid of Jesus to the worn and weary soul:

Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.

You’re tired. Tired in your body. Tired in your soul. At times, life feels hard, chaotic, or just mind-numbingly ordinary. But what if our souls could find rest even amid the onslaught of chaos and confusion? What if we could exchange that heavy dread and disquiet for a peace that passes understanding? Author Sarah J. Hauser believes that while our outward lives are falling apart, our inner lives can grow stronger. All Who are Weary was born out of Sarah’s own story—her depression, grief, and tears. Sarah, no stranger to weariness, invites us to join her in bringing our heavy burdens to Jesus and taking the light burden He offers instead.

Readers find deep, lasting rest by throwing off nine soul-crushing burdens: worthlessness, condemnation, worry, self-sufficiency, insecurity, comparison, perfectionism, insignificance, and despair. We were never meant to carry these things in the first place. Christians who feel stuck, strained, and discouraged will be equipped with Scripture and encouraged by personal stories that help us identify the burdens we need to release. Because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can live with joy and endurance, come what may. If you’re craving rest for your soul, Jesus invites you to come to Him, because only there can true rest be found.

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2023

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Sarah Hauser

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Ashlee Gadd.
Author 7 books449 followers
April 23, 2023
This book is a gift — an empathetic, compassionate reminder that just because we live in a broken world, doesn’t mean we have to limp our way through it. Sarah's voice is kind, encouraging, and filled with grace as she guides us to let go of all the things we were never meant to carry, and hand them over to the One who freely offers to do it for us. Even though Sarah has walked through some specific experiences that I haven't, there is not a single chapter in this book I did not identify with. I felt seen, known, and (graciously, gently) convicted from start to finish. I ended this book with a deep exhale, softened shoulders, and unclenched fists. A must-read for anyone who is exhausted from simply being ... human.
Profile Image for Rachel Menke.
281 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2023
I’d give it six stars if I could! Chock full of truth that is a balm for a weary and burnt out soul! Highly highly recommend and will be referring back to it often for help when battling fear, despair, perfectionism, insecurity, self-sufficiency, etc as this is the perfect tool to point my heart back to where its focus should be set!
Profile Image for Ellie (elliehojreads).
172 reviews50 followers
July 5, 2023
4/5 ⭐️

This was a very helpful read from Sarah Hauser and was a balm for the weary soul. She tackled all sorts of lies that we believe - that we are worthless, unimportant, not good enough. She had a mix of her experience, what scripture says about that fear or insecurity and how God sees us, and how that feae has no power over us. I was encouraged and relieved by Sarah’s encouragement and building up of the truth.

One thing I didn’t love was the book was catered mostly
towards Christian mothers in America. I definitely benefited since I fit in that mold, but there are probably better resources for those who are single or outside of the US, etc.

Thanks to Moody Publishers for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Miranda.
12 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2023
Sarah Hauser opened her heart with this book. Her words are raw and vulnerable, and serve as a good reminder that we are all human and we all go through trials and tribulations in this life. I found encouragement in each chapter, but one quote in particular that really stood out to me was:

“Grace is not given based on merits of the recipient but because of the character of the Giver.”

As someone who struggles with perfectionism and the achievement mindset, this really struck me. I’ve spent many years trying to prove my worth and now I’ve spent the last few years trying to undo this mentality. The way Sarah articulated this section really gave me a new perspective and ultimately left me feeling refreshed and a little more at peace.

It’s amazing how powerful words can be and this entire book is definitely a gift—for those who are carrying a lot and even for those who may not feel weighed down right now. I’m certain you will walk away after reading All Who Are Weary feeling a little lighter—I know I did.
Profile Image for Madeline Hardee.
50 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2023
I will 1000% be recommending this book to everyone I know. It was the best I’ve read in a long time and I identified with Sarah’s stories and trials in each chapter. I found myself scrambling to write down many of the quotes and scriptures she referenced because they were like a balm to anxious thoughts and fears and I will continue to reflect on them for weeks to come. Gaw, such a beautiful and raw book, thankful to have read it.
Profile Image for Bethany Broderick.
Author 1 book8 followers
April 25, 2023
For anyone who feels overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted, this book is for you. Sarah is both compassionate and wise, vulnerable and encouraging. She addresses real challenges such as self-sufficiency, perfectionism, and insignificance (though I was most impacted by her chapter on worry). Rather than gloss over these burdens with a “try harder” or “think positively” attitude, she provides Gospel truths to replace the lies of the enemy. She acknowledges the real struggles we face, but reminds us of the hope that Christ has freed us from carrying these burdens. This would be a great book to do with a group of women, as Sarah provides reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Profile Image for Ginger Newingham.
384 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2024
I loved this book. I felt like her stories and illustrations were practical and hard-won through a life of suffering and struggle. But, she maintained her faith and tackled hard topics of believing women. I read the first half in a quick amount of time, but realized I was better served to slow down and read one chapter for each sitting. The journaling questions at the end of each chapter were practical and applicable as well.
Profile Image for Stephanie Thompson.
7 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2023
I received an advanced copy of the book because I volunteered to be on the launch team. As what typically happens for me in these circumstances, I realize how much the book chose me. I resonated immediately with the title and the book offered up so much wisdom, encouragement, and hope.

I appreciate the author's ability to share her own vulnerable parts of her story while recognizing how it connects with universal human experiences. The chapters identify areas of human struggle which often result in weariness. I appreciate that she organized the book in this way. It allows for connection with the author and draws the reader into the book. In addition, each chapter offers reflection questions. These challenged me to ponder what was read and to apply the information personally.

As someone who also struggles with mental health issues, I am thankful that this reality is acknowledged in the human condition. Her honest storytelling of moments of depression resonated with me. Mental illness still carries a stigma attached to it and is often dismissed in Christian circles. God created us as whole beings. living in this broken world can take its toll on our mental health.

The strength of this book is the way the author recognizes the feelings of weariness yet lifts up hope through recognizing Jesus' offer to carry the yoke. We are not meant to carry the pressures of this world alone. She fleshes out the ways this looks through weaving in scriptural exegesis and Biblical narratives.

I will read this book again because there is much that I need to hear repeatedly. Her words liberate and motivate the reader to pursue the life for which they were made.
Profile Image for Rebekah McGee.
370 reviews4 followers
February 29, 2024
Listened on audiobook. Lots of mental health and Jesus. Practical help for those in the young motherhood trenches.
Profile Image for Laura Bazal.
249 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2023
I got the chance to be on the launch team for "All Who Are Weary" by Sarah J. Hauser. As with all launch teams, it's important to give an honest review (and not all of them end up being positive), so here's mine:

This book surprised me.

I expected it to be a comfort during yet another hard phase in life, but it has been far more than that. Each chapter led to several "aha" moments that were so much more than met the eye.

I was so impressed by Sarah's nuance with this topic and how she developed such a detailed theology that applies to every kind of struggle we think we have to solve on our own. Not only can we let go of the pressure to be God in these struggles, but we can cling to God who carries us through them.

In this book, you get some real-life examples for each of her chapters, but it's God-God-God at the center of it all. I am so used to books like this pointing to self, even when they promise to have a solid God-focus. Not only does Sarah only keep Christ at the center, she keeps your attention while doing it, too.

This could be a fast read but also one that you could sit with for a while, too. There are solid scripture references and bible study questions for each chapter that would make this great for a semester-long bible study.

Here's a favorite quote, of many:

"I pleaded with God countless times, "But please, please - won't you - can't you do something to heal my mom? Please?" I begged Him for healing, and I knew he could. Digory [from The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis] ended up receiving a magic apple that healed his mom. Why wouldn't God heal mine?

'That's where many of us sit right now - in the in-between place of unknowns and questions and doubts where it feels like hope is lost. Maybe we're angry at God, ready to walk away from waiting for Him any longer. But it's here, in this seemingly hopeless middle, that God not only hears our cries and our laments, but He even goes so far as to lean in next to us while we weep in the darkness. He puts His arm around our shoulders, presses our head against His chest. ANd he waits with us for the morning." (Referencing Isa. 53:3 & Matt 27:46)

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,976 reviews38 followers
May 15, 2024
As a Christian sometimes we can quote scripture all day long but still have a hard time getting that head knowledge into our hearts and minds fully. Sarah Hauser struggled with clinical depression and also had several losses and situations in her life that she was grieving. Christians also sometimes believe (incorrectly) that as a Christian you can't be depressed or that if you're struggling it's because you don't have enough faith. Hauser walks you through several promises in scripture that speak to these issues. We don't have to do it all ourselves and life struggles are sadly common and normal - but that doesn't mean they don't hurt. A lot of her personal examples are around motherhood and her struggles with feeling like a good enough mother. While that's not everyone's story she is just sharing her own personal experiences and how she combatted the depression in her life with the promises in scripture. I really liked how open she was with her own struggles and story. All too often it seems like the only stories Christians want to tell are the triumphant overcoming everything-is-better-now-sunshine-and-roses stories. But sometimes just surviving is the triumph. Hauser gives a great voice to people who may be struggling to know they're not alone and God is here for you offering real rest and comfort.

Some quotes I liked:

"God didn't speak to Moses' fear and insecurity by saying, I know you can do it, Moses! He didn't even reassure Moses that Pharaoh would be kind or receptive in any way. In fact, God made it clear the king of Egypt wouldn't easily listen (3:19). In other words, neither Moses' opinion of himself nor the opinion of anyone else mattered. God wanted Moses to trust in Him, what He's capable of, and what He could do through - and sometimes in spite of - Moses' insecurity." (p. 90)

"Faithfulness means there's something we're banking on that we cannot see...We're willing to play the long game instead of looking for instant gratification." (p. 128)

"Musician and author Andrew Peterson talks about the difference between work being 'overtly Christian' or 'deeply Christian.' We need both. We need the bold and unashamed preaching of God's Word. We also need our art, our music, our child-rearing, our attitudes at work, our gardening, our everyday faithfulness to be a reflection of a deeply Christian way of living." (p. 132)

"Grief doesn't live only in the moment. It steals a piece of the future - one you wonder about, long for, and miss - even though you never really had it." (p. 154)
Profile Image for Marisha Caballero.
30 reviews16 followers
June 14, 2024
This book has profoundly impacted my life and I will never be the same. I am putting this at the top of my list of books I think every Christian should read. So many good nuggets! It’s rare that I read a book in one week but every time I came to it I found help and I found healing as she pointed me to truths in God’s Word.

“God incarnate started his life in the womb of a poor, humble teenager. He suffered through a sham trial, died a horrific death, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. The Son of God—though there was no deceit in his mouth, no sin in his heart, no words wrongly uttered—endured suffering of the worst kind. He gets it. He knows your grief.” (Pg. 143)
Profile Image for valerie.
617 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2023
This book is gentle which I really appreciated. Sarah speaks from her own experience dealing with grief, death and depression and helps personalize the many struggles we have. She shows throughout the book how burdens lurk worry, despair, insecurity and insignificance are not burdens we are meant to carry.
Profile Image for Tristany Corgan.
593 reviews71 followers
July 25, 2023
"Busyness seems to be the hallmark of our society. Everybody is busy. Everybody is quickly moving from one thing to the next, barely having a moment to just pause and take a breath. Our daily schedules are packed full, and if we aren’t constantly doing something, we feel as if we won’t be able to accomplish everything we need or want to do.

But after a while, this constant busyness begins to weigh us down. We become tired, weary, burdened by all the priorities and responsibilities we’ve put upon ourselves. And when we allow this weariness to fester in our lives without seeking any rest or relief, it often morphs into anxiety, depression, or a host of other negative side effects.

As believers, we don’t have to sit in this weariness. We don’t have to stay in the anxiety and depression because we have a Savior who loves us, and cares for us, and who has offered to take our burdens upon Himself. What exactly does this look like? Well, Sarah Hauser elaborates on this process in her new book, All Who Are Weary..."

Continue reading my review at tristanycorgan.com/blog-allwhoareweary !
Profile Image for Jennifer Heath.
12 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2024
It was difficult to rate this book. I believe the author approached her subject from a wholeheartedly pure place. There is thought in the scripture she choose and the personal stories she shares. Perhaps my perspective is skewed as I chose this book during a season of much anxiety and worry. I found many of the chapters difficult to get through - as lots is shared about suffering and despair. Yes, there is a chapter on despair where that is to be expected. But this sadness hung heavily over many chapters IMO. I found that the book sometimes made me feel very heavy and increased my anxiety.
Profile Image for Darcy Wiley.
Author 2 books7 followers
January 17, 2024
The week this book arrived, I saw a mom asleep in the carpool line for several minutes before she finally woke up and figured out that everyone was driving around her. That sight, and my own frequent feeling of overstimulation and exhaustion from the minutiae of everyday life, told me just how important a title like this one is. Hauser explores nine key sources of pervasive weariness, pairing Scripture with generous stories of difficult situations/feelings in her experience that make it easy to acknowledge your own and feel less alone. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter are helpful in applying the ideas, and I like that she ends the book with a chapter on good things to carry instead of the burdens of worthlessness, worry, insecurity, comparison, etc., that we *aren't* designed to carry. I appreciate the appendix she included, an interview with a licensed clinical counselor to help readers discern the difference between issues that can be addressed well through self-help/pastoral care and those that would benefit from professional counseling/therapy. So important. This is an encouraging book that I'll be recommending to friends and the weary people I serve in the practice of spiritual direction.
Profile Image for Hayley Peebles.
42 reviews
March 30, 2023
Being a mom to two young children I was hoping this book would be relatable. Well it sure was! I appreciated the break down in titles and found that each chapter was somehow reflective of my life. The religious part however made me nervous!

Growing up Catholic, I quickly kicked that to the curb as soon as I graduated high school. I chose to leave that religious affiliation in the dust as it had never served me or my soul. I now consider myself non denominational and this book easily fit within my beliefs. Sarah has a great way of relating biblical stories to real life experiences.

A few of my favorite parts:

“…but we’ve learned to grieve was we wish life was and soak up grace for what it is”

“We don’t have to do life all on our own. We were never meant to”

“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of it’s own. Todays trouble is enough for today”

“We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be”

A common theme to me, was continuing to remain in the present. Our future is unknown, let those burdens go. At times I was teary eyed, relating to some of the personal stories Sarah shared, as I found some parallel situations of my own. With this book, I feel reminded to lift those hardships, fears and stress up to Him, and allow my heart to rest.

Profile Image for Ashley.
16 reviews4 followers
Read
November 30, 2025
Sarah gives a much needed and honest voice to women struggling in the Christian community with things like worthlessness, comparison, self-sufficiency, insecurity, despair, etc. These topics are all things we struggle with, and she speaks biblical truth to each of them. It is worth noting that she never glosses over these topics. Instead, she holds the tension of what it is like to grieve, struggle, and despair, while reminding us that these things point us to the One who gives us rest, comfort and hope.

I also really appreciate the added chapter in the back from a licensed professional clinical therapist… I thought it was really helpful to better discern where we all struggle and when someone might need additional help.

All Who are Weary is encouraging, relatable, and is grounded in Truth with a big side of grace.
Profile Image for Renee Young.
201 reviews19 followers
May 4, 2023
If you have ever walked through the valley of the shadow of death with pit stops in depression and anxiety and taken exits of condemnation and perfectionism, this book will help you reorient your mind on the goodness of Jesus. “Sometimes we get so focused on what we can see that we lose sight of the hope we have in what is unseen. We forget we serve the same God…who calmed storms and raised the dead” (60).

You wouldn’t think it from picking up such a beautiful and bright book, but these pages are for sufferers. Sarah J. Hauser chronicles her personal battles with self-sufficiency, insignificance, comparison, and other mental hula-hoops. (At times I felt like maybe she was spying in on MY life as I was reading. Like did she KNOW that I, too, am a basket case of emotions with a healthy dose of crazy?!) She directs the reader to the surpassing worth of Jesus, who suffered in our place, and showcases our sure and eternal hope where suffering will be no more. Hauser continuously reminds the reader of biblical promises and explains that ultimate rest truly comes when we really remember /who/ God is. With that said, I do wish there was more of an emphasis on personal bible reading. Though it is assumed that the reader would be in the Word, I think it would be worthwhile to make this discipline bold face in every chapter so that the reader is convinced of God’s goodness and can recall God’s promises for themselves. One thing that really excited me was her use of bible events to highlight the mental anguishes explained in each chapter—and some of those events were lesser known like Hezekiah and Habakkuk.

Overall, I really appreciated Sarah’s voice on this topic. She does a great job highlighting how all our suffering leads us to Jesus. “Only by turning to the all-sufficient God [could we] find what [we] needed” (73). So with joy and through tears, may we understand that “it’s precisely through suffering that God chisels away at our imperfections to form us to be the complete and whole person He designed us to be” (119), and “until the darkness becomes light and tears turn to joy” may we wait “trusting that God will come through in the end” (140).

*There are 3 reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
*Includes an interview with a therapist in the appendix.
*155 pages of reading
*I received this book from Moody for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lauren DuPrez.
218 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2023
All Who Are Weary is the debut title by writer and speaker, Sarah J. Hauser. This book takes readers through various burdens that Christians commonly carry and helps them understand how they are free of these burdens in Christ. Chapters 2-10 spend time identifying and analyzing these burdens in light of Scripture. I really enjoyed these chapters because they helped me see some things in my heart that I hadn’t necessarily considered. I always find it helpful to know that there are other faithful Christians who experience the same doubts and insecurities as me.

The chapters that were especially helpful to me were the ones on Insecurity, Perfectionism, and Insignificance. It was so sweet to be reminded that while I may believe certain lies about myself in those areas, the way God views me doesn’t change because of Jesus. It was really helpful to consider how the gospel ought to impact my thinking in those specific areas.

The concluding chapters where Sarah shares how God sustained her through the loss of her mother made me cry. As she wrote about grief, I felt that there was so much I could understand even though the circumstances of my experience with grief were the result of a miscarriage. I can attest to what Sarah wrote about how even when we’re uncertain about how God will speficially show Himself faithful in future circumstances, we can know that He will show Himself faithful.

In the last chapter, Sarah reminds grieving people that as the Man of Sorrows, Jesus perfectly understands our sorrow. On page 151 where she wrote, “Jesus doesn’t ask us to carry anything He hasn’t carried Himself, and the Holy Spirit fuels us with the strength to take each step. There’s no resurrection without a death—and there’s no true life without dying to self.” This was such an encouraging gospel reminder that we hae so much hope even in our grief.

All Who Are Weary was a helpful read for these reasons and many more and I highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read more from Sarah in the future.

I received All Who Are Weary compliments of Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,662 reviews95 followers
June 16, 2023
In this book, Sarah J. Hauser shares about some of her struggles and how she has found rest in her relationship with God. She writes about dealing with depression and feelings of failure as a parent, as well as grief over her mother's illness and death, and she connects these experiences with general themes that readers can relate to in their different circumstances. She writes about issues like condemnation, perfectionism, worry, and feelings of insignificance, and each chapter is vulnerable, insightful, and grounded in Scripture. Although some books like this tend towards the memoir category, this one strikes the balance of being a general Christian living book while also drawing deeply from the author's experiences, showing how she has experienced these truths in her life.

All Who Are Weary will encourage Christians in a variety of difficult circumstances, especially if they struggle with shame for not living up to their own or other's standards of success. Any Christian can benefit from this book's biblical wisdom about dealing with hard things and finding rest in Christ, and people who share the author's experiences of struggling with depression and anxiety will appreciate her efforts to combat stigma and share true, platitude-free encouragements. Also, in addition to sharing insights from her own experience, Hauser includes an interview with a Christian therapist at the end.

This book is meaningful, concise, and well-written, and it is appropriate for a broad audience. Hauser's personal stories are mainly about being a wife and a mother, but the book applies to people in any life stage, since its basis is ultimately in the Bible and truths about God, not her own life advice or personal details. I would recommend this to both women and men who are struggling with discouragement and weariness in their Christian lives, and it can also help and encourage teenagers who are dealing with similar issues.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Aaron.
886 reviews43 followers
June 19, 2023
Have you felt worn down by the world? In All Who Are Weary, Sarah J. Hauser helps you find true rest by letting go of the burdens you were never meant to carry.


No Condemnation

In just over 150 pages, this book is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and a comforting source of biblical truth. Hauser shares her own story of depression and grief, writing to you as a friend who has been in dark places before. The book revolves around finding rest, with topics ranging from feelings of worthlessness to worry, and insecurity to insignificance. She is open and vulnerable while giving us God’s Word.

I was most moved to read in Chapter 3 about condemnation. Hauser shares a story about her visit from the Department of Children and Family Services, and an accident that caused her to receive a “Notification of Suspected Child Abuse and/or Neglect Document.” While this trial would eventually pass, the condemnation that Hauser felt could have stayed with her. But she shares how she found rest in the grace and forgiveness of God, knowing that the allegations against her were not true, and that God would be faithful even when we can’t understand his ways.


Come to Jesus

I was challenged in Chapter 7, where Hauser speaks on comparison. While she mainly shares the trappings that come with being a writer, she also shows that we can compare ourselves in sufferings as well as in our sins. With the help of the Holy Spirit and some choice words from Paul in Philippians 3, she shows how we can fix our eyes forward instead of looking at the others on our sides. Serving becomes a joy, and we can celebrate as Jesus is championed by others.

Personal and inviting, this book is a gripping read on the goodness of God even when we feel weary. Come to Jesus and find your rest.


I received a media copy of All Who Are Weary and this is my honest review.
1 review
April 18, 2023
I read this book as part of the launch team. When I first received my PDF version and could see the chapter titles, I thought I knew which chapters would help me, and which I could skim over.
How wrong I was. Each and every chapter spoke to me in ways I could never have imagined. The Lord knew that I needed to hear the truths spoken in this book and I am so thankful to have had the chance to read it.

I have highlighted passages from every chapter in this book and I know I will come back to read it again and again, because the problem is that I forget the truths contained here so easily. I know I can be free from these burdens because Jesus has promised to carry them for me, but again and again I try to carry them alone.

Sarah has written honestly of her own experiences which I found so immensely helpful and encouraging. At times I felt she was writing my own story because I have faced similar struggles and difficulties. I really appreciate her willingness to be open and honest, because it reminds us that we are not alone in the battles we face.

Every chapter points us to the Bible - I found these examples really useful and I know that as I read my bible and come across these passages again, I will be reminded of the truths that I have read in this book.

If you feel worn out by life, battered and bruised by events outside your control then I would recommend you read this book - it won't change your circumstances but it can help change your perspective. Most importantly it will remind you of Jesus, our great high priest who has suffered just as we have, and who is always there to help us through anything and everything we face.
Profile Image for Shofam.
187 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2023
This one right here is one of the best I've read all year. I took a while to read it as I was doing it for a summer book club my church was putting on, and I'm almost glad I had to slow down and read it and sit with parts of it at a time. This is a book I needed a few years ago, but as I've told people about it, I wonder if maybe I just wasn't ready for it. I'm so glad it's out there in the world now, and I already bought an extra copy to hand to the first person that comes to mind.

The truth is that there is no lighter burden than what Christ gives us. Even so, we heap weight after weight upon our backs—burdens we were never meant to carry. And we’re exhausted because of it. It’s time to take those off.... There is no easier burden, no lighter yoke, than to be able to walk through life fully assured of the truth of who God is, what He says about you, and what He has called you to do.

Hauser begins by laying out the appeal of finding rest for your soul, and what exactly that means and looks like. She closes by diving into what we should be carrying instead - the easy yoke of Christ. In between, she covers 9 burdens we can carry as we go through life. These burdens are not particular to women only; however, I do know that they are ones that women tend to carry.

Worthlessness
The evil one would love us to fall for his deception. He wants nothing more than to leave us wallowing in our misery, paralyzed by this burden of worthlessness.

Condemnation
On that day, Christ didn’t dismiss the accusations as baseless but took all that condemnation upon Himself. No matter our past, no matter our faults, no matter our mistakes, He took all of them to the cross. It really is finished! And there is nothing you or I could do to undo the work of our Savior.

Worry
Sometimes we get so focused on what we can see that we lose sight of the hope we have in what is unseen. We forget we serve the same God who parted the Red Sea and provided manna from heaven. He’s our Creator and Sustainer, the one who calmed storms and raised the dead. If he has that kind of power, then “is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Gen 18:14). Our need to feel safe is real and good and valid, and our fears and worries alert us that something’s off. But instead of being consumed by our worries and fears, those things can nudge us to find safety in our God.

Self-sufficiency
The church should be the foremost place where we demonstrate we are not self-sufficient. The very gospel we proclaim says we cannot save ourselves—and we don’t have to. Not only do we hold on to this belief individually by confessing our need for salvation and coming to Jesus daily, but we also live it out by loving one another as Christ has loved us.

Insecurity
Beware of anyone who tells you to find yourself by only looking at yourself…. there is no wholeness, no fulfillment, no security in giving up reflecting God’s image so we can create and manage our own image instead.

Comparison
Comparing our sin sets us up for either self-righteousness or self-condemnation. We either take on the role of the Pharisee in Luke 18, believing we have earned God’s grace; or we believe we’re too far gone, our sins too big for grace ever to reach us. But grace is not given based on the merits of the recipient but because of the character of the Giver.

Perfectionism
My perfectionism may not show up in the tidiness of my kitchen or the decor on my walls, but it lurks beneath the surface of my heart and mind. Perfectionism is about control—and I like control. Perfectionists often want to make sure we appear put together. We want our kids to stay well behaved, and we’d like our relationships or reputation to align perfectly with our own ideals. We want to be in control of what other think or what happens in a given circumstance.

Insignificance
The death of Christ, His victory over sin and death, His resurrection, and His forever rule and reign make Jesus worthy of everything. If that is true, then nothing we do for the glory of God in the name of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit is a waste.

Despair
It’s here, in this seemingly hopeless middle, that God not only hears our cries and our laments, but He even goes so far as to lean in next to us while we weep in the darkness. He puts His arm around our shoulders, presses our head against His chest. And He waits with us for the morning.

This book really is gold. If you're feeling burdened down by the weight of life - the cares of the world but also the cares of the nitty gritty, day in, day out experience - then I'd commend this one to you. It's accessible, gentle, compassionate, and packed with scripture that will point you to the best burden-bearer there is: Jesus.
Profile Image for Marie Chan.
Author 1 book18 followers
April 16, 2023
All Who are Weary truly reminds us that we do not need to carry our heavy burdens alone. If you struggle with not feeling good enough, this book offers hopeful ways to find true freedom from feelings of worthlessness, self-condemnation, and perfectionism. The book honestly addresses struggles that many women face: motherhood, caring for aging parents, financial instability, worry, anxiety, and feeling completely exhausted and overworked. The author, Sarah Hauser, writes authentically using personal examples from her own journey and makes the book practical and applicable to our ordinary, everyday lives.

The author shares biblical examples of trusting in God and who He is, and affirmations from Scripture that help us find our worth in who God says we are. Instead of focusing on comparison, the author shows how she processed her own struggles and turned to our generous God of limitless resources. The book guides us to overcome our regrets and find true freedom and forgiveness for our failures.

Reading this book gave me space to take a deep breath and made me feel like a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders. We don't need to act like we have it altogether, but can have a posture of surrender and depend on God, instead of seeking to control all our circumstances.

I want to thank the publisher for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Michele Morin.
712 reviews45 followers
May 31, 2023
Lately, when I ask friends, “How are you doing,” I notice a pattern in their responses. Everyone seems tired, worn out, and weighed down by life. Sarah J. Hauser offers a reasonable cause for all this weariness: Maybe we’re carrying loads we were never designed to bear.

Written honestly from the author’s struggle with depression, All Who Are Weary offers the hope of renewal for the inner self. Jesus invites the believer to take his easy yoke, and this is not an invitation to improved performance or perfection, but rather an expression of mercy and love.

Hauser makes the excellent observation that believers may need professional help getting their minds and emotions to a healthy place before they are equipped to engage in a spiritual battle. Given this, how exactly do we begin to unload our burdens at Jesus’s feet? Chapter by chapter, the book chips away with a gospel chisel at the reader’s understanding of the burdens we carry, demonstrating what it looks like to live without the weight of condemnation, worry, insecurity, comparison, perfectionism, and despair.

Laying aside these weights, we find ourselves free to follow Jesus unencumbered and to serve him as we serve others. This is the path to rest.

Many thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
Profile Image for Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders).
531 reviews267 followers
August 7, 2023
“This book is about finding renewal for our inner selves. It's about giving up what's burning us out and pursuing joy and endurance instead. It's a book for all who are weary and weighed down, those who are tired to their core. It's for those who want to find a deep rest for their soul that can never be taken away no matter what happens.”

As she address 9 different burdens that all humans tend to carry, Sarah J. Hauser uses Scripture to teach on how Jesus offers a better way to His followers. In its concise approach which is formatted with short & digestible chapters, postpartum (or generally worn-down) moms are an ideal audience for its message. Hauser writes in a raw and authentic way, vulnerably lending from her own experiences and giving clear words to what depression and anxiety actually feels like.

Though I found many solid truth within its pages, I wasn’t really thinking about its message in between the time I spent reading it.

Thank you to Moody Publishers for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Ashley.
129 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2025
I thought I knew what to expect when I picked this one up... another Christian motherhood book that tells us to just turn to Jesus for rest. But letting go of the burdens we carry is harder than we’d care to admit (or we wouldn’t need so many books telling us so)! But somehow this book was different in the best ways. @sarah.j.hauser’s vulnerable words and encouragement were a sweet gift and a book I’d highly recommend for the weary, Jesus-loving woman!
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In this book, the author dives into nine “soul-crushing” burdens (worthlessness, condemnation, worry, self-sufficiency, insecurity, comparison, perfectionism, insignificance, and despair) and how we can put them aside. While some of these are not things I’d describe myself as struggling with regularly, I could relate to every single chapter. And every single chapter was rich with scripture and sound biblical advice.
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This was an excellent read for our women’s book club and got overwhelming praise from our group. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter, which makes it super easy for a group.
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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mayberry.
294 reviews23 followers
December 11, 2025
I wanted to love this book so much more than I did. It is not so much that the book is bad, but more one of those classic "it is not you, it's me" situations. I was excepting the book to be more focused on the yokes we can heap on ourselves as mothers and women and how we can pivot our eyes to Christ and take on his yoke. Instead it was more of an autobiography with a focus on depression, suicidal thoughts, and insecurity. Not a bad book or a bad topic but not a good fit for me. The title didn't feel like it prepared the reader for what was on the inside. Sarah's story is one that needs to be told and shared, it just didn't connect for me as I found myself sympathizing but not able to relate. I think I would have liked it more if had a more accurate expectation of the content.
Profile Image for Linda.
Author 3 books66 followers
April 4, 2023
As a young woman of immense wisdom and courage, Sarah Hauser tells us her story with vulnerability and faithfulness to God. Because of her willingness to share her experience and lessons learned, all who read this book will benefit as we seek rest for our weary souls. Suicidal ideation, deep depression, self-condemnation. She bravely shares all with readers. Each chapter ends with challenging reflection questions. Her son’s fall out of a bedroom window broke my heart with its painful aftermath. Drawing on the wisdom of wise fellow journeyers, Hauser brings us a book chock full of nourishment for our souls.
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