Needed rest
Scripture reading for January 10th: Genesis 16-18, Mark 6
Mark 6:30-32 “The apostles returned to Jesus and told them all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.”
A key to enjoying life is to get plenty of rest and have leisure time. But life happens and our schedules can become overloaded and so jam-packed that the normal rhythms of life are crowded out. We become over-stimulated and stressed out. Jesus and the disciples found themselves in this same predicament from doing the wonderful work of ministry to the sick and afflicted. Crowds of people pressed them and there was not even time to eat a leisurely meal. Jesus recognized their true need of rest and gave an invitation for them to come away to a desolate place for leisure and quiet rest. If you find yourself in this same type of stress today, please listen to Jesus’ Words and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to a quiet place for recharging! Even good work can take the sap out of us and requires refreshing in Jesus’ presence. But sometimes crowds follow us and compassion triumphs over a tired body!
Mark 6:33-34 “Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your ability to anticipate the needs of Your people and provide for them. Help me to recognize Your invitation to come away with You alone and to willingly respond and be actively present with You. Forgive me for the many distractions that I allow to keep me from Your invitation. Give me wisdom and extra strength to show compassion to those You do bring into my path for ministry. You and Your Word are my true source of rest and abundance!
Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time next year, I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
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