The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:30-31
“In our fast-paced, busy, and loud world, we may find it challenging to rest. Overwhelming needs — spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and relational — surround us. We can easily fall into a pattern of constant “doing” because of the great need in the world.
Yet Jesus took time away from his work to focus on his relationship with God. And he taught this truth to his disciples. In Mark 6, we read how Jesus sent the disciples on a mission trip. Upon their return, He could have sent them to a new place to preach and perform miracles. Instead, He told them they needed time away to rest.
I have noticed that the more I do at the expense of my time in communion with God, the more likely I am to be stressed or overwhelmed. However, when I take time to pause and rest in my relationship with God, my renewed spirit helps me do God’s work in a way that cannot happen when I’m always on the move. I’m continuing to learn from the Master Teacher that I cannot run on empty — physically or spiritually.”
Kyle Bjerga in “Press Pause” blog post on upperroom.org on 5 December 2020. Special thanks to Daily Meditations reader Randy Bury for sharing this with me.
After a time of fruitful ministry Jesus called the disciples to peel away together. I am learning to do this. Today, I am resting in Cairo before a full day with two seminars on Monday and other full week.
These words struck me as I read them: “stressed and overwhelmed.” I have felt this way more times than I can count during the COVID season. Perhaps you have too? What do we do in such times? We must rest.
I am asking God to renew my Spirit physically and spiritually, to refuel for a generous week of service. Care to join me? Don’t run on empty. Be enriched. Get alone with God. Bjerja concludes with this prayer.
Dear Father, help us to follow the example of Jesus, who taught us that to be effective disciples we need rest. Help us as we seek to make resting with you a regular practice in our lives. Amen.