TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. (Mark 6:31 NKJV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Sleep is not underrated. I’m running on short supply of zzz’s this week and the temptation to lay back down and write this from bed is very real. However, I’m sure that would be a very, very bad idea. I’ll keep drinking coffee. I’m pretty sure that by afternoon, I’ll be following the t-shirt inspiration that keeps showing up in my social media: “Jesus took naps. Be like Jesus.”
The Lord keeps reminding me this week that I need to rest. It’s a truth as old as time, and if the indefatigable Creator of the Universe rested, so should we (Genesis 2:2). He designed rest for our benefit.
And during His earthly ministry, Jesus also had a non-stop schedule. In Mark 6:31b, it even says, “For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.” But despite the demands on their time, in the first part of the verse, Jesus said, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
Even when we’re busy, we have to make time for rest.
So… rest. Our go-go-go world doesn’t leave a lot of room for rest. Often, we treat “rest” like it’s a sin or it’s a four-letter word (which yes, technically it is, but the bad kind of four-letter word…you know what I mean…)
If I’m honest, I’m one of the worst offenders. It should be noted that very often, these blog posts are written BY me and TO me because I need to hear them. Writing about the importance of rest is definitely one of them. If we were sitting down, having coffee, and you were telling me about your crazy, non-stop schedule — I’d spout out a platitude such as, “You can’t draw water from an empty well!” And I’d remind you to rest… but I’m a hypocrite because I have a hard time taking my own advice.
But this weekend, I’m not taking my advice. I’m going to obey Jesus’ command. “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Incidentally, my deserted place will be my living room. I have a blanket on the back of my couch that’s nicknamed “The Nap Maker.” I’ll probably spend some quality time with it.
How about you? When’s the last time you rested?
Today, as you pray, thank God for not only creating rest but setting the example to actually do it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you surrender to the need for rest, understanding that everyone, including yourself, needs to recharge.
SHARING ••• My Grace-Full Life is written by Denise Heidel. You are welcome to share anything I write, but please credit my writing and graphics accordingly. Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Subscribe through my website to have My Grace-Full Life delivered to your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the NKJV translation.
