Over the course of a couple of years I felt the weight on my shoulders increase. Work, family and health present different challenges and this time last year I was feeling pretty worn out. The stresses of life were stealing my joy in several ways; I wasn’t sleeping well and wasn’t allowing myself the headspace to rest and relax, and I found myself emotionally unavailable to the people closest to me.

I decided to make some changes in my lifestyle and implement some healthier habits. I cut down my intake of refined sugar, alcohol, gluten and caffeine, which my body thanked me for by shedding 2st in just eight weeks. I then enjoyed a holiday with my family where I didn’t look at my inbox for over a week which gave my mind the opportunity to reset and reboot. I then had a time of extended prayer ministry at my church in Cheltenham where several deep issues were talked through and prayed through which did wonders for my soul.

I wasn’t sure about recording this song initially as all I’d written was a verse and a little half-yodelly melodic phrase, however my wife Emily said she felt it was one of her favourites so I thought I’d go for it. I’ve always found singing songs from the perspective of God to be a powerful way of allowing His promises to seep into the core of my beliefs. The Bible talks about the fact that God is singing over us. When we hear even the faintest whisper of this, it can restore and revive our troubled hearts.

The recording was done pretty much spontaneously in the studio. With only 2 chords it’s hard for experienced musicians to go wrong; this allowed me to tune in to the themes around the initial verse I’d taken from the Bible. As I was singing about feeling wearied I had an image of my daughter (who’s just turned 4) and how when we would go out she will often ask me to carry her when her legs can’t take her any further. There have been times in my adult life when I wished someone would scoop me up and carry me through the challenges I face. This song is a reminder that we have a heavenly Father who does just this.

If you’re worn out physically, mentally or emotionally, I believe that God wants to offer comfort and rest. He makes a number of promises in the scriptures and Matthew 11:28-30 is one we all need to stand on through the turbulence of life.

Andy Baker, Chief Enthusiast, Homegrown Worship