The demands of life can make you feel like you’re losing control. We get it. It’s why we’ve been looking at lessons from music on the FOP Podcast. We take a song and look at its spiritual lessons. We recently talked about an all-time favorite band of mine, NEEDTOBREATHE. Their song “The Heat” is about slowing down and finding peace. Reminds me of Matthew 11:28, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Let’s unpack how this applies to us as husbands, fathers, and leaders. #1 Jesus CALLS. Come to me… (Matt. 11:28). Notice Jesus didn’t say, “Come do a bunch of stuff…” No, right where you are, come to me. Doesn’t matter how good/bad/ugly you are—come to me. Are you exhausted? Come to me. Recognize God’s call. You don’t serve a distant, uncaring God. You’re not as alone as you may feel.  #2 All means YOU. …all who labor and are heavy laden…  (Matt. 11:28). When everything feels like work—from stress at your job to family stuff—the weight in your life can be lifted. You aren’t promised zero problems in life, but you are promised help in Him. Reject the word’s advice of simply trying to lift an even heavier load. Instead, realize what you’re working for and give it to Him. #3 Rest is THE promise. …and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). God offers you peace that refreshes your heart/mind/soul. Work all day and come home to endless chores? That’s okay; you’re no longer trying to be perfect. You never were perfect anyway. God knows, sees, and cares.

Parenting Strategies for Christian Families: Raising godly children doesn’t happen by accident—it takes a strategy rooted in God’s Word. From prioritizing spiritual conversations and partnering with your spouse, to setting boundaries, modeling integrity, and praying with purpose, building a Christian home requires intentional action. Parenting is more than a responsibility—it’s a calling with eternal weight. And just like arrows need shaping to fly straight, our kids need a foundation of faith, love, and truth to be launched into the world for God’s glory.

Lessons in Lyrics – The Heat by NEEDTOBREATHE: Welcome back to our “Lessons In Lyrics” series. Today, we take a look at a song by one of Kent’s all-time favorite bands, NEEDTOBREATHE. “The Heat,” title track from the band’s Sophomore effort, is a powerful song about finding peace in the chaos, being present, forgiving yourself, and much more. We hope you get as much out of it as we did, and that you’ll continue to let great music be an asset to you as a husband, father, and Christ follower.

“Rest is a weapon given to us by God. The enemy hates it because he wants you stressed and occupied.” — Elisabeth Elliot

Knee-bent hurry. Let go of your need to control everything. Give your kids a dad who shows his trust in God by releasing control and finding peace. The godly husband/dad/leader is continually letting go of his own life. It’s not carelessness—it’s following and surrendering your life to God. Give your cares to Him and you’ll find rest. That’s the promise. Peace for you and your family. If you find peace, it’ll be way easier to give that peace to those around you. Be still, sit with Him, and find His promised peace.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.